MANILA, Philippines –Ateneo clinched a 2-1 victory over archrival La Salle to take back the crown in the UAAP Season 81 men’s football tournament at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
The Green Archers had looked to end a 21-year title drought after rookie Mohammad Almohjili opened the account in the 78th minute.
But Jarvey Gayoso, season MVP who also bagged his fourth straight Best Striker award, scored in what could be one of the best games of his young, decorated career.
From a Luke Alleje assist, Gayoso netted the wonderful goal – his 12th this season – early in stoppage time for the Blue Eagles to level at 1-1, sending the match to extra 30 minutes, according to a Rapple report.
Team Capt. Julian Roxas, one of three graduating Ateneo players, followed up with a 100th minute header off an Alleje cross to give Ateneo a 2-1 lead that it held on to till the end.
It was the Blue Eagles’ second crown in three years and the team’s eighth overall.
Ateneo now also leads its finals head-to-head tally versus La Salle, 3-2, with the Katipunan side taking the last two meetings.
