Tacagni weaves magic as San Beda claims 22nd NCAA football crown

NCAA Red Booters celebrate their 22nd NCAA Championship. Photo by Randolph Leongson

Connor Tacagni pulled off his biggest trick late to help San Beda complete a perfect campaign in the NCAA Season 92 men’s football with a 1-0 victory over St. Benilde Tuesday at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Tacagni converted an unassuming cross that found the left corner of the net in the 116th minute to snare the Red Booters’ 22nd NCAA football title.

“The desire of the players to win was so big,” said a jubilant coach Christopher Pedimonte.

The Green Booters still had a chance to force a penalty shootout, but San Beda keeper Ralph Datoy stopped Jonel dela Cruz’ potential equalizer at the 120th minute to end the match.

San Beda struggled to convert on its chances early on as St. Benilde hunted for counter-attacks.

Ultimately, both squads failed to get a crack on the net as the match went to extra time.

It was San Beda’s 12 straight win for the season which paved way for a rare double, after the Red Cubs earlier won the juniors crown.

The triumph also placed the Red Booters at the top of the list for most titles at 22.

“We just set an objective to win every game. We didn’t think about the championship, we just wanted to win every game,” said Pedimonte