When Joaquin Collo set the tone for De La Salle University in its 3-0 shutout of archrival Ateneo de Manila University last Sunday in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament, his goal came with a mix of emotions.
Collo — who played for Ateneo in Season 87 before serving his residency at La Salle last year — opened the floodgates for the Green Booters just nine minutes into the match after they forced the Blue Eagles into a mistake while playing out from the back.
After the final whistle and the traditional singing of the school hymns, the emotions settled in for the 20-year-old midfielder. He even admitted it felt bittersweet to score against the program he once called home.
“It felt great,” said Collo.
“I felt adrenaline from the goal and for the team, but it felt sad also because I scored against my team before.”
Although he came from La Salle Green Hills, it was his connection with head coach Richard Leyble that ultimately brought him back to the green and white.
His transition to La Salle was seamless thanks to their shared history, having played under Leyble in various PFF tournaments and in the Stallion youth program. When a roster spot opened up, Leyble reached out directly.
“Coach Richard told me that there was an opening. He told me to just come and train with us,” said Collo, who described the experience as
“Nostalgic because it’s the same coach, same strategies.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Despite switching sides in the rivalry, Collo made sure to leave Katipunan on good terms.
“I had a good exit with them, the coaches and the players. I still love them. They’re still family,” Collo noted.
Off the pitch, Collo continues to navigate the usual adjustments of being a transfer student-athlete, balancing his studies with his training schedule.
Integrating into the La Salle locker room, however, proved to be more straightforward. Existing bonds with former club teammates helped him settle in quickly and provided added motivation heading into last Sunday’s match against Ateneo.
“It’s a must because in La Salle also, I made a family and some of them were, like, former teammates from other clubs,” he said.
With the derby win in the books, Collo and the Green Booters have turned their focus to the rest of Season 89. While La Salle aims to end a championship drought dating back to the 1990s, the squad understands that there is still a long road ahead.
For now, the priority is maintaining consistency throughout the elimination round to secure a top-two finish and the crucial twice-to-beat advantage — a key edge that would put the Green Booters within striking distance of a December final.
“We want to achieve that Final Four again and hopefully win the championship,” Collo said, adding,
“We’re targeting the championship for Season 89.”
