Edcel Lauron has wasted no time making his mark in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament.
The 18-year-old goalkeeper joined De La Salle University after earning the Season 86 Best Goalkeeper award and a Season 87 gold medal with University of Santo Tomas High School. He has started all of the Green Booters’ matches so far.
Lauron has already kept clean sheets against University of the East and University of the Philippines, proving that he belongs between the posts at the collegiate level.
“Alam naman natin na may college team ang UST pero nung binigyan kami ng chance na makapasok La Salle, kinuha talaga namin kasi gusto ko pa lalong lumakas dahil may tumutulong sa akin dito mag-improve as a person and as a goalkeeper din,” Lauron said of his decision to transfer to the green and white.
It is rare for rookies to immediately claim the starting goalkeeper role in the collegiate division, given the immense pressure of the position.
But Lauron is no ordinary rookie.
He was part of the Junior Golden Booters squad that stunned the FEU-D Baby Tamaraws to claim the Season 87 crown after finishing as runners-up in Season 86.
Carrying the confidence of a blue-chip recruit, Lauron has delivered consistent performances for the Green Booters.
His standout display came in last Thursday’s draw against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub, earning him the Man of the Match award.
“Siguro nakakatulong sa akin kasi binigyan ako ng confidence ng pagka-champion namin,” said the Sports Management student.
“Mahirap din ang level dito sa college kaya nag-adjust din. Thankful din ako na nakapag-adjust ako at nakuha yung man of the match sa larong ito.”
The goalkeeper also shared the mindset instilled by his coaches ahead of that crucial game.
“Sabi ng mga coaches sa amin na must-win talaga (itong game laban sa UP). Kung hindi namin maipanalo, wag magpapatalo talaga. Yun ang mentality namin — hindi kami magpapatalo — kasi kaya naman talaga namin.”
With one win, one draw, and one loss, the Green Booters have made a solid start under new coach Richard Leyble.
Lauron’s next test comes against La Salle’s fiercest rival, Ateneo de Manila University, which boasts national team midfielder Dov Cariño and Ghanaian striker Kofi Agyei in their ranks.
Despite the challenge, Lauron is confident in his ability to deliver another strong performance and keep the Green Booters in contention.
“Feeling talaga namin masaya at hindi kami mag-re-relax para matuloy namin ito sa next game, para ma-boost yung confidence namin at momentum para sa next game,” he said.
