HAVING garnered the coveted Most Valuable Player award in Season 79 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Men’s Football tournament en route to leading the school to its first championship since Season 75, Blue Eagle striker Jarvey Gayoso received his first call-up for the Philippine Men’s National Football Team, more commonly known as the Philippine Azkals.

Gayoso, along with the rest of the Azkals, will be competing in the Chinese-Taipei Football Association (CTFA) International Tournament from December 1 to 5 against three other national teams from Chinese Taipei, Laos, and Timor-Leste.

The 20-year old striker will join the senior team, following an impressive showing in the 2017 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, where he managed to bag a brace against Timor-Leste.

Upon receiving the news of his call-up, Gayoso expressed his sincerest delight. “It’s a dream come true, honestly. Every dream of a Filipino [athlete] is to compete and play for the national team. It’s one thing to be playing for the youth roster, and it’s another to finally be playing with the big names of Philippine football,” he said.

Gayoso also expressed his desire to use the opportunity to showcase homegrown talents on the pitch. “My personal goal is to prove myself, to show the country what I’m made of, to show potential of Philippine football,” he admitted. “I hope to just [feature] and impress the staff, coaches, and everyone who is there to support.”