As freshman Joses Azur joined the rest of University of the Philippines for their cool down after their 2-0 win over De La Salle University last Sunday in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament, a senior teammate reminded him about a team rule he had broken.
“Wag daw muna ako mag-celebrate after nung first goal,” said the rookie out of Bicol, who had opened the scoring for the Fighting Maroons in the 83rd minute against the Green Booters at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
“Nag-celebrate ako sa harapan ng mga camera. Mali ko rin po yun. Sundin ko na lang sila.”
Before Azur’s goal, the Fighting Maroons were on the verge of recording their second consecutive draw in a match they seemed likely to win.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Almost a week ago, UP had conceded a last-minute goal that handed Far Eastern University a memorable draw, and La Salle appeared poised to escape with a point, largely thanks to goalkeeper Enrico Mangaoang’s stellar performance.
Azur’s opener, however, changed the game’s momentum, and just a minute later, forward Ramil Bation III took advantage of the Green Booters’ fatigue to double UP’s lead and secure the victory.
UP emerged as the deserved winner after 90 minutes, with Azur—the English Studies student—showing the killer instinct needed to finally put the ball in the back of the net.
“Sobrang saya po kasi malaking bagay yun sa akin para makatulong sa teammates ko para ma-lift up po sila,” said the University of Saint Anthony alumnus.
“Parang tulong na rin yan sa kanila kasi kung wala po talagang mag-ste-step up, sino pa ba? So yun ang ginawa ko para makatulong sa team.”
As a rookie in the UAAP, Azur has a promising career ahead with the Fighting Maroons.
The excitement of scoring his first goal led to a minor reprimand, but it’s all part of his learning process. For any forward, scoring that first goal is essential to building confidence, and now that he’s done it, consistency is the next challenge for him this season.
“Very happy for him,” said UP coach Popoy Clarino. “During (our) trainings, he had his chances, but he couldn’t convert. But now his attempt, I think it’s a big motivation booster for him, and hopefully, he can continue doing that (in) every game he plays.”
