Arellano ends San Beda’s reign for NCAA Football crown

Arellano Booters. Photo by Cedelf Tupas/INQUIRER

Arellano U played inspired ball and pulled off a stunning 2-0 victory over league powerhouse San Beda Tuesday to snare its first ever title in the 91st NCAA football tournament at the Rizal Football Field.

Charles Vincent Gamutan and Jumbeng Guinabang delivered the decisive goals as the Chiefs completed their fairy tale run and snared their first football championship since they joined the league six years ago.

The win also ended San Beda’s five-year domination of the sport while finally giving Arellano its first title after two failed attempts in 2012 and 2013 when the latter was denied twice by the former.

“We kept the faith, we always believed we’re capable of doing great things,” said Arellano U coach Ravelo Saluria in Filipino.

Saluria also thanked the school for constructing its own football field complete with athletes’ dormitory in Lagro, Quezon City.

“That was big factor, that football field. It gave us a venue to really train,” said Saluria.

Arellano U thus sealed its second title of the year after also topping men’s chess in the first semester last year.

San Beda, which owns a league-best 22 crowns including the last five, missed the services of striker Connor Tacagni, who was assessed a second yellow card in their 2-1 win over Arellano U last Saturday that forged a one-game title clash, and skipper Matt Asong, who sat out due to injury.

In juniors’ play, St. Benilde-La Salle Greenhills came back from 1-3 down in the first half with a strong second half effort to eke out a 5-3 victory and seal the high school championship.