After seasons of elimination round success but postseason heartbreak, the Ateneo Men’s Football Team (AMFT) now sets its sights on completing its four-year quest for redemption. This season preview will discuss the state of the new-look Blue Eagles as they take on the first round of University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 with unparalleled resolve.

THROUGHOUT THEIR post-pandemic era in UAAP Men’s Football, the Ateneo Blue Eagles have proven to be a powerhouse contender each and every season. With three straight postseason appearances, the winning pedigree clearly remains.

However, even with a first-seed elimination-round finish in Season 85, a Final Four appearance in Season 86, and an unprecedented eight-win streak to start Season 87, the Blue and White ultimately fell to the dynastic Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws in each of the last three seasons.

With the squad on track to trigger an outright finals berth, the Blue Eagles’ dominance last season could not be understated. Hiccups only began with losses to the University of the Philippines and FEU, but otherwise, the championship was Ateneo’s to lose.

Despite sweeping all individual statistical awards, the AMFT fell short of their title aspirations in Season 87 with a 3-4 penalty shootout loss in the Finals, ultimately handing the crown to their new-age rivals.

With these previous setbacks behind them, the Blue and White now kick off Season 88 hungrier than ever. The wolfpack is set to charge forward with renewed determination under newly minted Team Captain Dov Cariño and three-time UAAP champion Head Coach JP Merida.

Moreover, the Blue Eagles will be subject to changes in this season’s tournament format. Due to the upcoming Southeast Asian Games in December, the elimination rounds will be played over both semesters, with competition halting in October and returning in January. These unique circumstances, coupled with the addition of a twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs for the top two seeds, will set the stage for the longest and arguably the toughest football season in recent memory.

A frontline for the ages

Caleb: Over the past few seasons, the Blue Eagles have banked on a variety of tactics to power their Final Four agenda. However, it was undoubtedly Coach Merida’s signature firepower upfront that catapulted Ateneo into becoming one of the league’s elite in the recent decade.  

This year appears to be no different, as the Blue and White looks to replicate or even exceed their past offensive successes, especially with a squad that features the last two UAAP Golden Boot winners in returning Kofi Agyei and Team Captain Cariño. 

After missing Season 87, Agyei returns to the pitch determined to pick up where he left off two seasons ago. Known for his goal-scoring reliability and clutch plays, all eyes will be on the 6’5” forward who is expected to anchor much of the attacking void left by star playmaker Leo Maquiling. Such lofty expectations are understandable considering how Agyei has positioned himself as one of the top forwards in the league prior to his absence in Season 87.

In his last full season with the Blue Eagles, Agyei posted a league-best nine goals and five assists, leading Ateneo to a valiant Final Four finish that year. With his constant scoring threat, the Ghanian is expected to supplement Cariño’s sublime playmaking upfront, a role to which Maquiling played perfectly last season.

Meanwhile, after a haul of nine goals and 11 assists last year, Cariño has placed himself as one of the premier talents in the UAAP. Undeniably entering the prime of his collegiate career, the national team mainstay will look to translate individual success into team triumphs this season. Together with Agyei, the reigning Golden Boot winner will serve as one of the squad’s veteran leaders, aiming to spearhead the Blue Eagles’ young and revamped attacking unit.

In the recently concluded Tuloy Invitational Cup, the Katipunan-based squad wasted no time showcasing their uber-talented frontline. Numerous occasions in the preseason tournament saw Cariño playing provider and Agyei imposing his will within scoring territory. Against the University of the East (UE), the duo leveraged their undeniable chemistry, with Agyei bagging a hat-trick, two of which came via Cariño’s assists. Similarly, the pairing looked unstoppable against the De La Salle University (DLSU), as Agyei nabbed a brace while Cariño earned two assists in the match.  With the pairing working wonders for the Blue Eagles, Agyei and Cariño will certainly be the focal point of Ateneo’s offense this year, generating chances for themselves and surrounding attackers.

With the luxury of having two UAAP Golden Boot winners on their side, the Blue Eagles have arguably one of the best attacking duos in recent memory. With Cariño leaping into his peak years and Agyei determined to reassert his status as one of the best strikers in the league, this pairing is a force to be reckoned with at any collegiate football timeline. And if the dyad’s performance during their preseason campaign is a preview of what’s to unfold come Season 88, then the Ateneo faithful will surely be in for a treat.

In search of anchors 

Ani: Heading into the preseason, it was clear that the squad was due to adapt after the departure of key players last season. Among these losses include Maquiling, defender Jet Dela Cruz, and goalkeeper Artuz Cezar. Together, the three veterans provided not only quality play on the pitch, but also leadership. Without them, the challenge now lies in finding who can rise up to the occasion and provide not only consistent performances, but also guidance to the unit. 

After placing fourth in the Tuloy Invitational Cup, the team walked away with more than just match-day experience. The tournament served as an early test for coach Merida to experiment with lineups, all while gauging the ability of his players.

Among them was goalkeeper Alfonso Loja, whose stellar play provided much needed security at the backbone of the Blue Eagles’ defense.

Coming on as a substitute in their preseason opener against the UE Red Warriors, Loja made the most of this opportunity, making crucial saves to help secure the victory. After his solid play, the veteran continued to thrive, earning starting nods in the squad.

That trust eventually paid off quickly against archrivals DLSU, Loja put up his best performance of the tournament, making save after save in the clutch. His heroics not only secured the Blue Eagles a spot in the semi-finals, but also strengthened his case to start in goal this season. Still, Loja has yet to prove himself over the course of an entire UAAP campaign, one that is often rigorous and unforgiving for the last line of defense. Only time will tell if the preseason standout will be able to sustain his level of play this upcoming season.

In addition to Loja’s performances, standout rookie and national youth team player Andrei Gonzales showcased his offensive prowess. The young skipper showed no fear during the preseason, playing well above his years.

Throughout the preseason, Gonzales provided sharp vision, precise passing, and well-timed offensive runs, often linking both the midfield and the attack. In addition to his individual skill, the rookie showed great chemistry together with fellow teammates such as Cariño, foreshadowing a formidable partnership that could be a dangerous threat for the opposition this upcoming season.

On the defensive end, Ateneo’s backline showed signs of growth, backed by a trio of defenders that played with determination on every play. Leading the charge is co-captain Marco Salud, who is stepping into the mantle left by Dela Cruz. The defender’s leadership and stout play have been crucial in providing reliability at the back and a calm presence for the new faces of the squad.

Alongside Salud are veteran defenders Javier Bengson and Oswald Santilices, who have been pushed into the spotlight, with the defensive duo expected to provide both support and flexibility for the team. Their experience within the system and drive to make their mark will be crucial towards fortifying the Blue Eagles’ defense.

Despite new faces and leaders emerging on and off the pitch, the AMFT may not yet have all the answers to their problems. What is clear, however, is that this team has both the talent and the perseverance to elevate their game. The road ahead may have its fair share of growing pains, but if the Blue Eagles can build upon this already star-studded core, then the sky is the limit as they enter Season 88.

Playing with purpose

Luis: The unique intricacies of Season 88, including its unprecedented tournament format, coupled with the changing of the guard for the AMFT, will set up a special journey for the Blue Eagles this year.

Four seasons removed from their last championship in 2019, the Katipunan-based squad has long neared the promised land in each post-pandemic season played. However, in each year, a familiar foe bested the Blue and White for postseason success.

Now, the AMFT re-enters the fray with much more than simple redemption as motivation. As perennial contenders in the UAAP, this year’s Ateneo squad carries the mantle passed on from Jarvey Gayoso, Szymon Mercado, Jose Lopez, to now Cariño.

The adage of hard times making the strongest men should ring true for this iteration of the Blue Eagles, with its remaining veterans having gone through the highest peaks and the toughest heartbreaks. Especially with an injury-riddled preseason, fans should look toward the AMFT with not just a chip on their shoulder, but with a purpose to play.

In my interview with Co-Captain Andy Roxas prior to their Tuloy stint, he shared how this season meant so much to them, with motivation showing from both their neophytes and veterans. “We’re eager to show the UAAP that we’re still here to compete for the title,” Roxas said.

The skipper also mentioned that although they will be a new team moving forward, with multiple changes in their game plan and tactics, they will continue to bring a lot of aspects of what made them successful in the last four years.

Unfortunately, Roxas suffered a season-ending ACL tear last month, rendering him sidelined for his final playing year. In a somber recollection of our preseason interview, he shared how much it meant to be a captain of the AMFT. Having come from a bloodline of elite footballing talent, he recalled the pain it felt to suffer a similar ACL injury in his first season with the Blue Eagles back in 2023.

Without their veteran leader on the pitch, the Blue and White must rally behind their skipper’s battle cry of “fighting with all our heart, every game” as remaining captains Cariño, Jethro Flores, and Salud lead the squad this season.

Although the team will be composed mainly of freshmen and sophomores entering Season 88, he also noted how excited they are to prove themselves to the rest of the league. With this, the squad’s fresh talent must step up to the plate in order to help their seniors in one final push towards UAAP glory.

Also celebrating the 30th anniversary of their first championship in the UAAP, the AMFT can look back at what made that 1995 squad special. Coming back from a last-place finish to securing the championship three decades ago, this proves that this year’s pack can reach the zenith of collegiate football with the same amount of determination.

Pointing out that the squad must play with “no complacency,” Roxas believes that redemption is the only thing on the minds of the team for Season 88.

History will always be either a point of reminder or motivation when it comes to the AMFT, but looking back at the last three years, the Blue Eagles have a shot at defying all the odds and finishing the story that their former teammates started and finally end up in the history books, not only for incredible elimination-round performances, but for being UAAP champions.

Moreover, throughout their Tuloy tilt, the Blue and White have proven that they still remain as one of the premier clubs in the association, a tier above half of the league. With this, I can confidently say that the Blue Eagles should be a lock to return to the Final Four.

However, as the UAAP brings back the twice-to-beat advantage in the postseason, the top two seeds will be coveted positions this year, and with the two-semester split between elimination rounds, Ateneo needs to conserve their manpower for the long haul. If my last three years of covering the AMFT have taught me anything, it’s that the Blue and White will continue to fight until the final whistle, and with enough grit and determination, anything remains possible.

As long as Ateneo continues to play with purpose and bring with them their valuable lessons from the past, banner number nine may truly be within reach, and what better time to do it than 30 years after their first?

Upcoming games:

Sunday, September 21, at 2:00 PM vs. Adamson University Soaring Falcons at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite

Sunday, September 28, at 4:00 PM vs. University of the East Red Warriors at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City