Flashing a fluid attack and a near-perfect defense, San Beda proved too classy for Arellano, coming away with a 2-0 triumph to wrest a third straight NCAA seniors football title yesterday at Ascom pitch in Taguig City.
Neil Dorimon and Miguel Caindec struck on either side of each half as the Red Lions produced a dominant display in frustrating the first-time finalists.
San Beda’s victory came on the same day Ateneo moved in the cusp of winning the UAAP men’s football crown after edging University of the Philippines, 5-4, in a heart-stopping penalty shootout at Moro Lorenzo Field.
Yu Murayama starred for the Blue booters, equalizing with a header in the 83rd minute, before burying the spot kick that sealed the win in the shootout.
Game 2 is set Sunday.
Dorimon found the back of the net at the stroke of halftime and Caindec sealed the win from close-range five minutes from time.
The Lions pulled off the feat even without head coach Aris Caslib, who had to attend to a prior commitment overseas. Eliezer Fabroada steered the Lions.
San Beda skipper Nhiboy Pedimonte was named tournament MVP and teammate Ali Baldo adjudged best midfielder.
It was San Beda’s 20th title overall, moving the Mendiola-based school to just one behind former NCAA member La Salle.