When referee Wilfredo Bermejo blew the full time whistle in the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons’ 1-0 victory over the De La Salle University Green Archers last April 26 at Rizal Memorial in Manila, he not only called time on La Salle’s UAAP Season 80 Men’s Football Tournament campaign — but also defender Noel Brago’s college career.
As the fourth seed in the Final Four, the Green Archers were underdogs compared to the Fighting Maroons, as the latter had swept the former in the elimination round. State U’s domination of La Salle in the first half merely proved to be a precursor to their eventual victory thanks to Kyle Magdato’s goal in the second period.
It was a sad end for Brago and the rest of the Green Archers. La Salle had shown how much they have grown from their dismal Season 79 campaign, where they finished in sixth place — but lessons were there to be learned as well after a costly error allowed Magdato to have a clean sight at goal.
The painful truth for Brago was that he ran out of chances to win that elusive UAAP Football title with La Salle. He was the heart and soul of the team all season long, similar to how Dawn Macandili and Kib Montalbo are to their squads, and essentially the first name in the starting 11.
Nevertheless, the fifth-year student-athlete immediately looked back on his run with La Salle with utter fondness saying, “Five years. Ito yung pinakamagandang experience na blessing na binigay sa akin ni Lord. Makapaglaro lang sa ganitong University, sa ganitong level, napakasarap ng feeling.
“No regrets. Binigay ko lahat ko. Walang nag-expect na mag Final Four kami. Na-reach namin.”
Various moments in the season proved how valuable Brago’s leadership was on and off the pitch. When Mauro Acot’s goal gave La Salle hope against the Jarvey Gayoso’s Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles in their first round clash, a costly error from Nicko Villacin almost allowed Sam Lim to seal the win for Ateneo but Brago rushed to make a goal-saving tackle to prevent the goal.
More importantly, it was the De La Salle Zobel alumnus who rallied the team after their loss to the National University Bulldogs in the first found. The Green Archers dominated the contest, only to lose to Jekar Sullano’s sucker punch at the end of the game. Brago called on his teammates, made them realize the progress that they had made then and reminded them of their objective, which was ultimately fulfilled.
“Lalo na from a disappointing season last year, sixth place. Hindi siya very characteristic of a Coach Hans-Peter Smit program.
“At least ngayon, natulungan naming seniors yung team makuha yung pride and mag-gain ng exposure na madadala nila because malakas ang papasok next season sa DLSU,” said the Interdisciplinary Business Studies student.
Brago has two terms left in his studies, and will take a break from the sport for the meantime. He designated being named team captain and meeting different players from all over the country as his best moments in the Green and White jersey. He added, “Tuloy muna ako sa Green Archers United. Kung may offers or opportunities na dumating, siguro i-consider ko. Pero one thing for sure maglalaro pa rin ako after.”
The lights in Rizal Memorial then dimmed, and Brago packed his bags to join his family in the stadium’s grand stand. Not that he didn’t leave anything behind though.
“Siguro yung Animo ng isang totoong Lasalyanong athlete and yung pride nila na hindi pa din nagpapatalo kasi rinerepresent nila ang La Salle. Alam naman natin kung ano ang La Salle.”
