There is always a special thrill, or extraordinary sadness, depending which side you are on, when sporting dynasties are brought to a halt. In the football of the world stage, the FC Barcelona of Pep Guardiola from 2008 to 2012 certainly brought delight with their unstoppable winning ways. When it stopped, many were likewise pleased. At the RIFA that we know, the delight and despair is by no means less. This time, our DLSZ Born 2005 Team brought the five-year domination of their Xavier counterparts to a close.
The run-up to the final was nine games against various teams in the division where the Green Archers dominated by only losing one game, winning eight, scoring 31 goals and ceding three. The lone defeat was a 0-1 to Don Bosco.
The final was on October 8, 2016 at the various pitches of British School Manila at BGC. Winning the championship meant having to win three straight games—quarters, semis, and finals. Two members of the team were on the sick list, fleet-footed Rafael Airon Benedict Ganzon (DLSZ 2023) and gazelle-like gunner Arthur Kaufmann (DLSZ 2023). Their absences were causes of concern, but happily something the rest of the team quickly overcame.
Overcoming obstacles seems to have become a team specialty. On occasions when some players were out, others would step in and effectively fill the gap. Alonso Lucas Aguilar (DLSZ 2024) would provide instant offense, Ishi Mori always lurking and ready to fashion a goal with his mighty right foot, Jose Paolo Cruzado (DLSZ 2023) with his spirited moves, Miguel Naiara Reyes (DLSZ 2023) the steady hand at protecting the goal, rugged Bruno Gael Parra (DLSZ 2024) who stands his ground as all else falls apart around him, merciless Mateo Diego Serrano (DLSZ 2023) and his wily moves, and Santi Singian who always injects energy to the game.
First up was the host, British School. Height-wise much bigger and with some home-court confidence as added bonus. Early on a zig-zagging Jared Alexander Peña (DLSZ 2024) assault that commenced in the half line and ended in the penalty box resulted in a relieving cushion of a goal that the team rode until the end of the game.
Next up was International School Manila, energized by a protracted penalty-kick win over Ateneo de Manila. This was now in the smaller grass pitch which is more prone to wayward goals and mighty rocket launches. A much tighter playing area brought on a more grinding game in which our boys did not at all disappoint. Jared Peña once again opened the scoring with ballerina-like moves in the box, after touches by teammates, and in the second half set up a Lucas Gruenberg (DLSZ 2023) goal with a nifty little blind pass with his outside left foot.
Onto the final where the mighty Xavier team lay waiting, having just demolished La Salle Greenhills to the tune of 5-0. Coach Manji unleashed his Dogs of War, Lucas Gruenberg, Viggo Louis Herce (DLSZ 2024) and Mateo Sebastian Lacson (DLSZ 2024) relentlessly attacking every Xavier possession as it would start at the back end. This coverage caused the Xavierians some panic and they resorted to launching long balls to the front court, which stalwart defenders Alexander Caleb Santos (DLSZ 2024) (also resident launcher of Pershing missiles into the opposition), Ralph Matthew Gregorio (DLSZ 2023) and Raphael Antonio Barretto (DLSZ 2023) knew were coming their way. Offense thwarted.
Heartthrob keeper Jason John Salavante (DLSZ 2023) not just made key saves, but deftly directed team positioning from his vantage point as team coxswain. Now, on the attack, once again the indefatigable Jared Peña, the undoubted MVP of the team, pierced the Xavier defense and swept a left grounder into the Xavier goal for a 1-0 victory and the championship.
Watching the Archers, one could almost feel the roller-coaster of emotions as the game progressed. Trepidation at the onset in the face of a formidable rival. Some surprise at the better control, and disbelief in with the 1-0, and finally euphoria as the win seemed inevitable as time ran out. Overall, a wonderful experience for players and fans alike.
Written by: DLSZ Parent