COMING OFF a heartbreaking season-ending loss to archrival De La Salle University in the Final Four of last year’s tournament, the Ateneo Men’s Football Team will be looking to bounce back this coming Season 78. Leading the charge for his fifth and final year is midfield maestro Mikko Mabanag, who is more determined than ever to lead the Blue and White to the promised land.

The team is aided by the return of familiar faces such as Mabanag’s midfield partner and co-captain, Carlo Liay, and reigning Rookie of the Year, Julian Roxas. Rookies such as striker Jarvey Gayoso–who shined during the preseason–and goalkeeper Ken James are also in the fold to add depth to this budding powerhouse, which has been in constant preparation since the end of the previous season.

The Blue Eagles have upped the magnitude of their training ever since that loss, going through different fitness and endurance programs while also entering multiple preseason leagues such as the Ang Liga to keep in midseason form. To turn it up a notch, they also trained in high-altitude locations such as Baguio to strengthen their conditioning.

With a near-identical roster from the previous year gaining experience and chemistry from their Final Four run, coupled with a more intense training regime, these Blue Eagles will try to bring the elusive trophy back to Katipunan for the first time since UAAP Season 75.

“We want to win, of course. We want to lift that trophy again. We want to bring it back to Ateneo,” says Mabanag. “We want to do that by enjoying the game we all love playing.”