MANILA, Philippines—Ateneo nipped fierce rival La Salle, 4-3, in a thrilling penalty shootout to occupy the first finals slot in the UAAP season 75 men’s football tournament on Thursday.
With the shootout tied at 3-3, Jico Noel converted his kick to help the Blue Eagle Booters clinch their first finals appearance in five years.
Both teams failed to score after 120 minutes in regulation and extra time.
Nathan Alquiros broke the ice for La Salle in the penalty shootout before Ateneo evened things up at 1-1 as Val Calvo completed his attempt.
Gerald Layumas and Mikko Mabanag then exchanged points off penalty attempts for a 2-2 standoff, before Don Rabaya gave the Archers their last lead at 3-2.
Carlo Liay then forged a 3-3 deadlock before La Salle’s Patrick Deyto shot his attempt directly to Ateneo’s keeper.