Maroons seal rare football golden double

MANILA, Philippines - University of the Philippines completed a golden double in the UAAP Season 78 football competitions as the Fighting Maroons, taking the cue from first-time champs Lady Maroons, annexed the men’s title with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Ateneo in Thursday night’s finale at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

King Miyagi fired a hat trick while skipper Daniel Gadia, named MVP after the series, nailed the fourth goal for the team, which is dedicating its first title since 2012 and 17th overall to former player Rogie Maglinas, who died of skeletal cancer last November.

“Compared to last year’s performance, the way we played this season is several notches above in terms of fight and effort. Icing on the cake na lang ‘yung finals,” said UP coach Anto Gonzales, who also steered the Lady Maroons to their maiden UAAP diadem hours earlier via a 2-1 disposal of La Salle.

Miyagi opened scoring in the 28th when he gamely booted in the ball after Gadia’s shot was deflected earlier. Gadia doubled the lead in a fantastic solo finish six minutes later. 

The Blue Eagles pulled one back at the 36th with Mikko Mabanag sending his free kick past UP custodian Ace Villanueva. Miyagi restored a two-goal margin for UP with another strike in the 69th then virtually put the game beyond reach with his 80th minute connection.

After the twin triumphs,  the Maroons, Lady Maroons, coaching staff and supporters gathered around on the field and offered a prayer for Maglinas.

Gonzales couldn’t help getting teary-eyed when talking about his late ward.

 “Yung iniwan niya, mananatili sa amin ‘yung fight, ‘yung appreciation sa maliliit na bagay. Sana masaya siya kung nasaan siya ngayon (We’ll continue to fight like he did. We hope he’s happy wherever he is now),” said the champion mentor.

Joining Gadia on the honor roll were La Salle’s Raphael de Guzman (Best Goalkeeper), Far Eastern’s Chy Villasenor (Best Defender) and Paolo Bugas (co-Best Midfielder), National U’s Paolo Salenga (co-Best Midfielder), Ateneo’s Jarvey Gayoso (Best Striker) and La Salle’s Darius Diamante (Rookie of the Year).