Arellano Chiefs. Photo by Cedelf Tupas
Arellano delivered a masterful display when it needed most to dethrone San Beda with a 2-0 win Tuesday for its first NCAA men’s football crown at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Goals from Charles Gamutan and Jumbeng Guinabang in each half lifted the Chiefs, who also snapped San Beda’s five-year reign.
Dragged into a winner take all battle after a 1-2 defeat to the Red Booters last Saturday, the Chiefs set out with a more cautious approach while relying on quick counterattacks.
After absorbing pressure for the first half hour, the Chiefs took the lead in the 33rd minute when Gamutan intercepted a pass at midfield and broke free on the left for the opener. The victory avenged Arellano’s losses to San Beda in the finals in 2012 and 2013.