THE ATENEO Blue Eagles left it late against the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 81 Men’s Football Finals held on May 16 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila.

Behind Jarvey Gayoso’s 90th-minute equalizer and Julian Roxas’ header in the first half of extra time, the Blue Eagles took down their Taft-based rivals, 2-1, to bring the trophy back to Loyola Heights.

It was a gritty first-half performance from both sides, with Ateneo enjoying more possession and DLSU occasionally threatening on the counter. Team Captain Jayrah Rocha made his presence felt on both ends of the pitch, blocking shots and reaching corners. At the end of the half, the scores were locked, 0-0.

The match came to life in the second half as AJ Arcilla was forced to the ground to save a stinging long range effort before Rocha met another corner, this time forcing a save. The end-to-end action continued through the 65th minute when DLSU’s Juan Rafael Siggaoat hit the crossbar from outside the box.

In the 78th minute, DLSU’s Mohammad Almohjili broke free inside the box to slot home the opening goal and bring the Green Archers inches away from the title.

With the clock running out, Alleje sliced through the middle, finding Gayoso who slotted the ball into the bottom corner for the 90th-minute equalizer. Sensing blood, the Blue Eagles piled on the pressure late into stoppage time in search of a miraculous winner. Alleje tested the DLSU keeper, setting up Roxas whose follow-up effort was blocked wide for an Ateneo corner.

The header was cleared out for the last play of the match as the Blue Eagles headed to the dugout in high spirits with chants of “Jarvey Gayoso” from the Ateneo faithful filling the air.

When play resumed, the Green Archers recomposed themselves and rekindled their offensive efforts to interrupt the Ateneo onslaught. But as the Blue Eagles found themselves deep in the DLSU box in the 100th minute, Alleje lobbed a cross, leaving the DLSU keeper stranded and setting up a tap-in header for Team Captain Roxas that clinched a 2-1 lead.

Despite just conceding, the Taft-based side was able to cough up two chances but failed to find their scoring boots at the crucial times.

The Blue and White returned from the break with two half chances from Roxas and Gayoso. Despite threatening runs by the DLSU frontline, Rocha and Grierson stood their ground to maintain Ateneo’s advantage. DLSU was able to salvage a corner in the 119th minute, but Arcilla reached out to extinguish the chance, effectively securing the UAAP Season 81 Men’s Football Championship for Ateneo.

On top of the championship trophy, Arcilla took home the Best Goalkeeper Award while Gayoso bagged Most Valuable Player honors and Best Striker of the season.

Team Captains Rocha and Roxas, alongside graduating Blue Eagles Baña, Andoni Maniquis, and Martin Ordoñez will all depart the team having played their final game this season.