The Ateneo Men's football team has begun its preparations for the Four-peat. It is currently participating in 2 leagues, "Ang Liga" against NCR's top-notch teams and the Vicky (?) Razon Cup (my apologies to the late Ms. Razon if I got her name wrong.) As expected, Ateneo is having a tough time in the Ang Liga against teams like Army, Air Force, etc. This past Sunday, Ateneo beat La Salle 1-0 in the opener of the Razon Cup. Both teams have revamped lineups. From 2nd hand accounts, La Salle has a speedy, young team that suits its high-pressure style of play but I guess it doesn't really matter since they're suspended this year.

The only veterans remaining in the Ateneo team are MVP Pat Ozaeta, converted wingback now centerback Alvin Perez, Fred Ozaeta, striker Gino Tongson, Sam Wilson, Gerard Cancio. There are some promising rookies but they have to become better really fast.

The erratic scheduling of these tournaments make it hard to follow the team. I'll try to post schedules if I get any info.

[font=Arial][size=2]

It's Terry

UAAP MEN'S FOOTBALL TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
January 14
12 PM - Opening
1 PM - UE vs. UST (ADMU Erenchun Field)
3 PM - UP vs. FEU (ADMU Erenchun Field)
Bye: ADMU

January 18
3 PM - FEU vs. ADMU (ADMU Erenchun Field)
3 PM - UST vs. UP (ADMU Ocampo Field)
Bye: UE

January 21
1 PM - UP vs. UE (ADMU Erenchun Field)
3 PM - ADMU vs. UST (ADMU Erenchun Field)
Bye: FEU

January 25
3 PM - UST vs. FEU (ADMU Erenchun Field)
3 PM - UE vs. ADMU (ADMU Ocampo Field)
Bye: UP

January 28
1 PM - ADMU vs. UP (ADMU Erenchun Field)
3 PM - FEU vs. UE (ADMU Erenchun Field)
Bye: UST

UAAP WOMEN'S FOOTBALL TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
January 14
12 PM - Opening
1 PM - UP vs. FEU (ADMU Ocampo Field)
3 PM - ADMU vs. UST (ADMU Ocampo Field)

January 21
1 PM - FEU vs. ADMU (Ocampo Field)
3 PM - UST vs. UP (Ocampo Field

January 28
1 PM - ADMU vs. UP (Ocampo Field)
3 PM - FEU vs. UST (Ocampo Field)

Definitely I'll be rooting our athletes in this sport!

Who won in today's game?

today? feu ata yung today eh

Really? That sucks. Akala ko pa naman sweep na kasi wala nang lasal.

We lost. 0-1

Inauspicious start to Ateneo's defense of the crown. FEU dominated possession for much of the 1st half with their pretty passing but could not break through Ateneo's stalwart defense led by MVP Pat Ozaeta. Ateneo's young squad gained confidence in the 2nd half and had 3 or 4 good chances but were let down by spotty finishing and good goalkeeping. IN the end, it was a cheeky goal via a lob into the goalmouth and a brilliantly skillful one touch volley over the goalie's head that did Ateneo in, 1-0. Ateneo almost tied it a few minutes later but James Arco's screamer of a shot was pushed on to the upright by FEU's goalie. Ateneans shouldn't panic just yet, the game could have gone either way.

One piece of bad news though is the injury of star striker Gerard Cancio. No word yet how serious it is, I'm praying its not a torn ACL or MCL.

^ too bad. at least 6 months pa naman ang recovery from an acl injury. hope its not acl.

I think the team has to shape up and realize that this isn't going to be an easy ride. Time to wake up from the fact that it's not the same team from last year, that they have to build their own identity and defend it like hell. Everyone has to step up, the rookies have to prove that they are good enough to be in the UAAP, that donning an Ateneo jersey is not an achievement but a challenge. Hopefully the lads continue the fight! Kaya nila yan eh! Focus on football and nothing else. That's what won the 3peat.

Getting the four peat will be hard. Yesterday's game just proved it. I just hope that the team can bounce back. The defense was decent actually. What needed work was the scoring/offense. If the other players step up and actually score some goals, they will be ok. A lot of players got injured in yesterday's game. I think that is also a factor on why we lost.

Hi Chillosk, we miss #20 darting down the right side. Gino Tongson now wears your number. Its good to still hear your dad's "Focus Ateneo" reverberate across the field. The boys looked pretty good yesterday considering more than half are rookies. They'll bounce back.

For you tacticians out there, yesterday's lineup was

Mantos - GK

#2 Sulit - RB (Subbed by #7 Tady)
#16 F. Ozaeta - CB
#4 P Ozaeta - CB
#18 Marcelo - LB

#3 Wilson - defensive midfield
#9 Clemente - defensive midfield
#8 Siojo - alittle more forward of the DM's (#15 Noel)

#20 Tongson - L
#10 Cancio - R (#6 Arco)
#5 Peralta - S (#11 Alvarez)

I can't really pinpoint the positions the forwards play.

Personally, I'd like to see Clemente and Siojo interchange roles with Clemente playing a more attacking role and Siojo more defensive.

I know man, I miss it like hell too.

Gino's been wanting that number since day one. Hehe.

Their game on sunday is going to be huge. Time for everyone to step up! Fight!

How are the blue booters who got injured last Wednesday?

Unconfirmed reports say its an MCL tear for Cancio, which, if true, would really be a big blow to Ateneo's fourpeat chances. Cancio's a proven goalscorer. I haven't heard about the extent of Arco's injury.

Latest news is that its only a strained MCL and not a tear for Cancio...thank God. Hopefully, he will be able to play again by the first round UP game.

^ thank God. nice tarp din hahaha! at least there is visible support na for both women and mens team.

Gerard mentioned that his injury would take 2-3 weeks to heal. Good luck to the rest in the game tomorrow/later against UST. Ateneo will be having 3 games simultaneously at 3pm. (Men's and Women's football and Women's Volleyball).

The Blue and Lady booters drew their respective games.

The Blue Booters could have won the game if the referee did not call a foul on a blue eagle defender seconds before the end game. This draw gives Ateneo a 0 wins 1 draw 1 loss standing. This makes the fourth peat an uphill climb. But come to think of it, even they don't win the fourth peat, this team is very dangerous as there will be a lot of hold-overs for next year's team.

Disappointingly, we drew a game that we really deserved to lose. Huh?!
UST came out blazing and were constantly attacking from all sides. Only a yeoman's job of defending by the back four and some luck prevented UST from scoring 2 or 3 goals in the first half. Ateneo's heart almost stole this game when Gino--who for me was the best player of the game aside from Pat Ozaeta--crossed the ball beautifully from the left flank to James Arco's right foot on the right side of the penalty area. Arco skillfully controlled the ball and fired a shot to the 2nd post. The goal started a span of 10 minutes when Ateneo had 2 or 3 chances to score but were let down by jittery finishing. The last 30 minutes had Ateneo backpedalling to prevent a UST equalizer. They almost pulled it off until a rookie 'mistake' led to the last second penalty. Jiggy Sulit, whose aggressive style of defense has turned him into a starter at left back, had it backfire on him when he made contact with an UST player in the left side of the penalty area. You can't really fault Sulit for that because he was playing the only only way he knew how to play. You couldn't blame the ref for calling it either.

After 2 games, Ateneo is lacking in 2 areas which were vital components of their 3 championships. The wingbacks while more than capable in defense have not been a factor down the wings as in the past. The midfield has been less than stellar not only in holding the opposing attackers but also in starting the buildup to Ateneo's attacks. Pat Ozaeta has had to work harder in the past 2 games than he has in the past 3 years when he twice won the MVP and thrice won the best defender awards.

The mids have to start protecting Pat. We've been saying that since ever since, protect Pat. He can't do everything on his own. Mapapagod din yan eh. And knowing Pat, he won't complain, he's just that kind of guy. The midfielders have to take it upon themselves to step their game up another notch. It's hard to compare them with the Merida-Gimarino partnership, because those guys were just awesome, but again, you have to win the midfield - they have to grow up fast.

Props to Gino! Earn the number G!

True enough, Pat went down with cramps a few moments before that fateful play. I can't remember if he was back on the field for it.

Gino made 2 great crosses, one from the left converted into a goal by Arco and another after winning the ball on the right which should have been tucked in be Kurt Alvarez. Gino was all over the place.

The Blue Booters finally made it today, by winning over UE.

Congratulations.

UP is next!

Sunday, 1pm!

ANIMO ATENEO!!!

Yup, Blue Booters finally got their first win, albeit unconvincingly against league minnows UE. JJ Clemente scored his first career UAAP goal off another wonderful cross by Gino Tongson early in the 2nd half. Tongson together with old reliable Pat Ozaeta are proving to be Ateneo's MVPs this far into the season. Clemente looked more comfortable in a more offensive role, likewise for Siojo who played deeper in midfield. Alvarez had another fine game but has to learn to put away his chances. Tiny sparkplug Arco provided an energy boost when he came in for Peralta. He almost scored by outracing 2 UST defenders up the middle but shot straight into the goalie's arms.

We are now just 3 points behind UST with a game in hand (UST has already completed its first round games.) Hopefully, with that first win out of the way, we can buckle down and play better against UP, which looked really good in demolishing the same UE squad last Sunday.

Been a fan for years now and I know for a fact, tagilid tayo this year IF the rookies don't take every game seriously, double their efforts. As my friend always says, hindi sila champion team. The champions (except for Gino, Pat) have gone. Kailangan kumayod to prove themselves.

I see the potential, but I don't see the same 'heart' as I saw last year. Not yet anyway. But I'm still rooting for our team. One big fight.

The football team lost against UP today. This makes the four peat really hard.

Clemente and Kurt Alvarez played poorly against UP. They were not challenging the defenders of UP especially down the stretch. Coach Jong was seen yelling at these two greenhorns to play with heart.

To tell u guys the truth i don't see Kurt Alvarez as an asset to the team. Ang PANGIT ng laro niya even nung start ng season. I feel he is overrated as a soccer player. Seryoso ALL the opportunities he got sinayang lng niya. I think he should be trained first to ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK and not be scared! I feel a bashing from his fans but I'm just telling u guys what's really happening and seriously he is a LIABILITY to the team!

COACH OMPONG please don't use him the next few games! Look for other starters in ur RESERVES! Let him play next year when he is able to learn na hindi matakot pumasok! Kitang kita na instead of attacking the goalie, lumalayo pa siya and that's bad because he keeps on losing the ball. If ever you still want him to start, place him in the MIDDLE para he will be forced to attack the defense head on and wala na siyang reason na dadalhin ung bola sa sides! FORCE him to attack and lose his fear of getting hit by the defense! PATIGASIN nyo ung bata para masanay and magiging offensive CALIBER in the upcoming years. Sayang talent niya if hindi niya matanggal ung takot niya.

Sorry if everyone sees this as bashing Kurt Alvarez but it is what I see and I feel that for the alma mater to win, things have to change!

GO ATENEO! ONE BIG FIGHT!
Don't Lose Thy Heart!

It is safe to say that the champs have been dethroned. The Blue Booters got massacred by FEU a while ago in a score of 4-0. I guess, all good things have to end. However, the future looks bright for next year. Next year, we will have an intact line-up. Next year, Alvin Perez and Gerald Cancio will hopefully be playing in the field and not watching in the sidelines. Next year, Mantos, our goal-keeper, will improve his goalkeeping skills. Hopefully, by next year, the team will improve its offense and will finally play with heart.

I hope that Pat Ozeata will play one more year. One more year Pat!!!!!!!!!

The girls actually played a good game yesterday. With UST leading 1-0 with injury time left, Alice dela Pena latched on to a through ball and scored a dramatic equalizer.

I've been really impressed with the attitude and the play of our women's team this season. They have shown a lot of heart with their late comeback games. And it's obvious in how they play - how they really hustle for every lose ball, how they get up after big hits, how aggressive their play is - that this team will go places.

With two games left in the season, our girls need to win their upcoming games versus rivals UP and top-seeded FEU to advance to the finals. It's been close throughout the season, and it may be just the year for the girls.

Let's come and support them this Sunday! 3 pm college field!

Surely, the men's team can learn to play with heart from the women's team.

If you don't mind me asking, are you a football player? If you are, then what are your credentials?

Excerpt from Rick Olivarez's article in ateneo.edu

The Blue Booters too were noticeably missing a key component albeit not through a yellow card. Prior to game day, the team dropped from the line-up striker Kurt Alvarez who had been missing a lot of practices of late. “Win or lose, the team comports itself a certain way and no one is above that,” explained Merida after the game.

I guess, he has some attitude issues.

Well I feel that I have the same sentiments as what bluehearted said. TOTAL90 I don't think he/she has to have credentials to voice out what he sees in the football games. Seriously, can't you see that what he said is the truth? Look at how Kurt played in the season? No zest in his moves and scared in going in to score the goals. You can't blame him for bursting with such comments because Kurt himself is not exerting the effort and talent that Ateneo sees in him. Diba siya ung promising rookie ng ateneo? well 0 goals and a lot of loose balls says otherwise. So Sorry but I side with Bluehearted in this one.

"The Blue Booters too were noticeably missing a key component albeit not through
a yellow card. Prior to game day, the team dropped from the line-up striker Kurt
Alvarez who had been missing a lot of practices of late. “Win or lose, the team
comports itself a certain way and no one is above that,” explained Merida after
the game."

WOW bluehearted are u psychic or sumthing? Hindi lng nabench, natanggal pa pala? So meron ata attitude problems ung bata eh. Well serves him right for not being that serious while he was given the benefits of an athlete. Well now we can see WINS from the Ateneo side next year since a part of the problem has been removed.

GO ATENEO ONE BIG FIGHT!
KUDOS

YEAH! Gerard is BACK!!! GO ADMU! NXT SEASON BE THE CHAMPS! AGAIN!

FIGHT!

i was trying to search for some web sites that had some info about our grassroots program for football here in the philippines when i stumbled upon this page: http://www.geocities.com/SouthBeach/Palms/9276/coke.html

check out the site and you will be amazed. apparently, the core of our 3-peat team have been thrashing their opponents since high school. their only loss came at the hands of dlsz, and if i'm not mistaken, the stars of that team went to ateneo for college as well.

wow, mickey ingles was named best defender then. i always thought he played up front or at the middle.

i really hope that the blue booters learned a whole lot from this season. i'd be satisfied with a just a finals appearance next year. win or lose, it's the school we choose!

Hahahaha! That's my old high school webpage!!!

We eventually beat lasalle in the following tournament

Coach Ompong, who was our coach during our first year and second year high school days, put me in the right defensive back position so I can defend and overlap as well. I became an out and out winger the year after. I've been playing in the wing since 1998.

mickey ingles the best football player that Ateneo had to offer! Do u still play in football leagues after graduating?

chillosk, there are rumors that you might be playing next year, hope they're true. We need veteran leadership to whip the boys into shape and someone who can score and create goals.

Whoa, high compliments ah, thanks. Anyway, I played 4 or 5 games with an Italian team in the Shanghai International Football League. Got injured and haven't played since November though. Don't think I'll play with them when I go back though, kinda scared of what the other players do eh. Hehehe, sayang lang coz they play really well and the league's top standard.

Regarding playing next year, I've been thinking about it recently. Got really frustrated seeing the lack of support to Pat this year, and feel like I should help out. But let's see na lang. Gonna go back to China rin kasi eh. I hope that if ever I do, we get more players who really deserve to suit the Ateneo jersey up. Disappointing yung iba talaga eh, no discipline whatsoever.

haha! I noticed that! just wondering... how was Marty Quimson as a football player?

0

I did not see him play. But, from what i have heard: He was the goal keeper of the team. He is really good. He could have been the goal keeper of the team this year had he picked football over basketball.

China? are you taking up LAW in China?

oh and about Alvarez, he got cut from the team right? may chance pa ba makapasok ulit siya sa team or wala na?

Yeah, Quimson was the goailie. He was ok. He actually trained with us (and even went with us to Hong Kong) just before our second championship season, but he quit the team a month before UAAP. That was a blessing actually, coz we recruited star keeper Jerwin Bellina when Martin left us.

I'm studying mandarin in China.

As for alvarez, it all depends on him if wants to go back.