IN THE dying moments of added time in the late-April match between Ateneo and the National University (NU) Bulldogs in the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 78, the Blue Eagles found themselves down 2-3 thanks to a 90th minute goal by Bulldog Marvin Viray. With it being the last game of the elimination round, the Katipunan-based squad desperately needed at least a draw to keep their Final Four hopes alive. A loss would have plummeted the Ateneo Men’s Football Team (AMFT) down to fifth in the standings and the late go-ahead goal by the Bulldogs had seemingly sent the team packing.
Jarvey Gayoso, however, was having none of that. Ateneo’s last ditch efforts resulted to the Bulldogs conceding a free kick a couple of yards beyond the penalty box. The then-rookie, who had scored from a free kick earlier in the game, went up to the spot and powerfully sent the ball to the upper right corner, rocketing past the keeper and into the back of the net. Gayoso’s magnificent stoppage-time goal proved to be the deciding factor in Ateneo’s championship aspirations, and was the defining moment in Season 78 for the freshman striker.
After the departures of midfield ace Mikko Mabanag and the team’s second leading scorer Mashu Yoshioka, Gayoso was pegged to be the leading man in the youth-filled squad of Season 79. Not much was expected from the squad this year due to the inexperienced and rookie-laden roster, but the team shocked many by finishing the elimination round at the top of the table. The sophomore striker’s inspired play has been a big part of the AMFT’s surprise ascension.
Gayoso has consistently been the leading the pack in terms of production. His goal-scoring prowess has been evident with eight goals in 10 games, but he has also had a knack for distributing the ball more this season. He has been among the league leaders in assists, proving that he does more than scoring goals.
“I know that it’s not just scoring that will help my team, but also by being able to help my teammates also get into the scoresheet,” Gayoso explains.
The system implemented by coach JayPee Merida this season has also played towards the forward’s strengths. The team uses a 3-5-2 shape, a defensive formation that emphasizes the use of the counter attack. This is where Gayoso has been especially been potent this season, as his pace and dribbling down the field has fit this free style of play. The Blue Eagles are most dangerous when the ball is on his feet during the counter; the combination of his vision and scoring ability strikes fear on the opposing defenders.
Gayoso’s stellar play, combined with Ateneo’s superb record this season has made him the favorite to bag the Best Striker award. Though he says that winning the prestigious accolade would be a blessing, he does not focus on it, but instead sets his sights on a bigger ambition.
“My goal is really to be back into the finals and to give myself and the team the gold, because I have never gotten it,” Gayoso says. “I have played five years in UAAP and I have always been consistently second place. It sucks.”
Along with his commitment to the AMFT, Gayoso has also been included in the pool of players to represent the Philippines in the 2017 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The multi-sport event will take place from August 19 to 31, which will interfere with the first semester of the subsequent school year. Gayoso said that he is willing to take a leave of absence from Ateneo to take on the opportunity to play for the country.
He is committed to train with the SEA Games team at least twice a week, and will be participating in an international training camp and competition (AFC U-23) in preparation for the tournament. As one of the younger players on the squad, there is a certain amount of pressure laid on to the second-year player, as his slot could have easily gone to someone more experienced. Despite the challenges and the pressure, being a relative unknown in the international scene has its perks.
“People don’t know me, so I get to move around better. I get to put it to my left side a lot more,” Gayoso admits. “I am more aggressive in international football because nobody really knows the way that I play, nobody expects me to use my left and take shots with my left side. It’s a lot easier.”
With the way that Gayoso is performing on the field, the future looks bright for the football scenes of both Ateneo and the Philippines. Of course, there are still aspects of his game that fleshing out, including his discipline – he has already been suspended twice this season after accumulating too many yellow cards. But Gayoso has the makings of the next big thing in Philippine football, if he isn’t already.
