Team
The wire-to-wire dominance of the Blue Eagles took the league by storm in Season 79, as the squad dropped just one match on the road to their first trophy since 2013. With a majority of their core intact, the team kicks off a new campaign where they will display the same class that worked magic on the pitch last year.
Team Captain
Julian Roxas and Jeremiah Rocha
Last season’s Best Defender Jeremiah Rocha radiates power at the heart of the backline, while Julian Roxas is the metronome, dictating through rangy passing and playmaking. Members of the squad since their rookie year, the duo faces the challenge of reigniting Ateneo’s championship aura.
“We still have that same ambition of winning the championship. This team is mentally and physically prepared for what is to come, and we expect no less from other teams especially now that we have a target on our backs.”
Jarvey Gayoso
Jarvey Gayoso has been heralded as the future of Philippine football–and for good reason. The third-year forward has earned the reputation of a defender’s nightmare with his prolific goal-scoring ability, utilizing pace and deft dribbling to maneuver around defenses, with the composure and clinical finishing to boot.
Enzo Ceniza
Enzo Ceniza is Ateneo’s very own swiss-knife in midfield. In a flash, Ceniza is capable of winning the ball back with a tough tackle, dancing away from pressure, and dispatching balls forward with clever passing. His energy and creativity will certainly be crucial gears in the Blue Eagles’ midfield axis.
Gavin Rosario
It was difficult for the coaching staff to leave goalkeeper Gavin Rosario out of the team despite his arm injury. The Ateneo de Manila High School product’s exceptional ability between the sticks earned him the mantle of Best Goalkeeper in the Juniors division in both Season 78 and 79.
Joaquin Roque
Jumping from junior to senior level as a defender is one of the toughest adjustments in collegiate football, though Joaquin Roque has the tools to become a mainstay on the back four. Roque operates as a speedy utility player built exactly for the wing-back role that has become so important in the team’s transitions.
Coach’s Corner
Jaypee Merida
Masterminding his plan early in the preseason, Head Coach Jaypee Merida has paid special attention to player movement in offensive and defensive situations. The Blue Eagles’ mentor anticipates an uphill climb this year, introducing new adjustments to the pattern of play and the roles of his players.
“We’ve worked a lot on transitions and focused on movements that create mismatches especially in the attacking third. There’s pressure on us to maintain our performance last year, but I’m confident the team can do it again this season.”
