Francis Tacardon and the University of the Philippines had only one goal in mind entering UAAP Season 86: to reclaim a spot in the Final Four after the proud program missed the postseason last year for the first time since Season 72.
Such was the hunger of the Fighting Maroons that they concluded the elimination rounds this season with a four-match winning streak, securing their return to the next round with a resounding 4-0 victory over Ateneo de Manila University and culminating it with a similar rout of the University of Santo Tomas on April 28th.
For the Fighting Maroons’ vice-skip, Tacardon, it was an overwhelming feeling to exorcise the nightmares of the previous season and to defend home turf for the very last time in his UAAP career.
“It’s always nice to play on your home field, and we got the bonus win, but our main objective is to gain confidence heading into the semifinals. It’s safe to say, given how my teammates and I are feeling right now, that we have achieved that goal and are confident heading into the next round,” said the national team pool member.
“What happened last year, especially for us who were there, was our motivation to do better. Playing here on our field was a big push—this is our home; no one should beat us, and we must protect it at all costs. And this season, we were able to reclaim that.”
(C) UAAP Season 86 Media Team
Now that Tacardon and his fellow seniors have made their last stand on their home turf, they, along with the whole team, hope to bring the lessons they learned from this Diliman field to the higher level when they return to the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
“The memories that I shared with my teammates here are one-of-a-kind and will fuel me in the next matches. I have played with different teams and players, both Filipinos and international, but what stands out here with the UP Men’s Football team is the bond that we have,” shared the fifth-year Public Administration major.
“We are with each other every day, after school; we look out for each other. This is our foundation, I should say. That’s where it all started. I will miss this field.”
Now that the 18-time UAAP champions are back in the postseason, Tacardon is more than ready to return to the Rizal Memorial Stadium, where he introduced himself to the UAAP community with a massive goal against rivals Ateneo.
“I’m excited to play again in Rizal Memorial because we all know that it’s the country’s national stadium. So, it’s an honor to play there, especially to represent UP,” said the now 22-year-old standout.
“It will be a good thing to score again or to contribute in any way to help my team. Whether it’s a goal, an assist, or anything else, that will be good for the team.”
