Top Row (L-R): Alfonso Alaras, Vito Gutierrez, Rafa Cadiena, Keane Versales, Travis Padauan, Tiago Elvina, Luis Mercado, Matthew Zamora, Marcus Tanjangco
The De La Salle Santiago Zobel Aspirants Football Team emerged victorious in the Rizal Football Association (RIFA) Tournament, held from January to March 2025, completing an undefeated journey to claim the coveted championship title.
More than just a triumph, the team embodied the core values of Faith, Service, and Communion in Mission—playing with heart, discipline, and brotherhood throughout the tournament. Their journey featured an incredible semifinal win over the defending champion Ateneo de Manila and culminated in a thrilling championship win against Xavier. This victory is especially sweet, as it has been five (5) years since DLSZ last held the Aspirants championship trophy.
Key Highlights:
Group Stage
- DLSZ 2 – 1 Colegio San Agustin
- DLSZ 3 – 2 La Salle Greenhills
- DLSZ 4 – 2 Claret
Semi-Finals
- DLSZ 1 – 1 Ateneo de Manila (DLSZ won 5-4 penalties)
Finals
- DLSZ 3 – 2 Xavier
Here are the members of the team:
Alfonso Alaras (DLSZ 2029)
Jose Rafael Cadiena (DLSZ 2029)
Don Santiago Emmanuel Elvina (DLSZ 2029)
Vito Santiago Gutierrez (DLSZ 2029)
Luis Benito Lopez (DLSZ 2030)
Luis Alonso Mercado (DLSZ 2028)
Walter III Negele (DLSZ 2028)
Ron Travis Padauan (DLSZ 2030)
Josef Adrien Peña (DLSZ 2029)
Inigo Miguel Ramirez (DLSZ 2028)
Alexander Duke Sarmiento (DLSZ 2030)
Marcus Enrique Tanjangco (DLSZ 2028)
Keanefred Cristiane Versales (DLSZ 2029)
Miguel Iñigo Villon (DLSZ 2031)
Montrel Iñaki Villon (DLSZ 2031)
Teddy Spencer Wilson (DLSZ 2030)
Matthew Reed Zamora (DLSZ 2029)
The team faced challenges throughout the tournament, often coming back from behind, but their determination and refusal to accept defeat carried them through to the final whistle. Every player fought fiercely, enduring tackles, kicks, and shoves, yet they always got back up, wrapped and taped, and ready to give their all for the team. A special mention goes to Marcus Tanjangco, who was awarded as the MVP, and Josef Peña who scored a hat-trick in the final game.
Their success was made possible through the invaluable guidance of their coaches Matthew Nierras, Artin Khalifeh Soultany, Nii Ayi, Javier Coscolluela, Gabriel Paca, PT Francis Saur and the unwavering support of the entire DLSZ football family.
Congratulations DLSZ Football Team on a well-deserved championship! Onward to the next battles! Animo La Salle!