WITH a fallen teammate in mind, booters from the University of the Philippines completed a sweep in the 78th University Athletic Association of the Philippines football competitions.
After taking the women’s football honors, the Fighting Maroons banked on the heroics of rookie Kintaro “King” Miyagi, who delivered a hat trick to carry UP to a 4-1 swamping of the Ateneo Blue Eagles, Thursday to earn the men’s championship at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
It was the sixth men’s crown for the Maroons, who dedicated their victory to Roger Maglinas, a 19-year-old team member, who passed away last February due to rhabdomyosarcoma, a form of cancer affecting the skeletal muscles.
In taking both crowns, UP became the second team to win a double championship after Far Eastern University first did it in 2007.
Miyagi, a Filipino-Japanese from Cebu, put the Maroons in the lead very early, when he struck in the 28th minute.
After that, team captain Daniel Gadia found the net in the 34th minute to give the Maroons a comfortable 2-0 lead.
Two minutes later, Ateneo’s skipper Mikko Mabanag sent in a volley, right through UP keeper Ace Villanueva in the 36th minute off a free kick.
Miyagi continued scoring for UP in the 70th minute, handing the Maroons a 3-1 cushion.
With 10 minutes left, the Cebuano rookie scored off midfielder Soheil Bidar’s assist, drawing a big ovation from supporters at the stands, with emotional teammates unfurling a banner which read “For Rogie.”
“We appreciate the support of everyone, especially the UP community. May mga teachers na nag-cancel ng klase nila para makapanood ang mga students nila,” said coach Anton Gonzales, after players, coaches, staff and some fans gathered around in one area to offer a prayer for Maglinas.
Earlier, Angeliza Sta. Clara headed in the winning goal in the 67th minute, sending the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons to a 2-1 victory over La Salle in the women’s finals at the Rizal Memorial turf.
She went for a header from inside the penalty, never thinking her attempt would hit the net and handing the Lady Maroons their first-ever crown since 1995.
It was their first title since they last took it in 2010.
