San Beda retains NCAA football title at LPU’s expense

MANILA, Philippines – The San Beda College Red Booters successfully defended their title at the expense of the hapless Lyceum Philippines University football team, 4-0, to ink a 5 peat in the NCAA football competition at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium on Friday, January 23.

The Mendiola XI, proving their supremacy in the collegiate football circuit, won their 14th title in 15 years after thrashing the Intramuros-based kickers during the last game of the second round to automatically clinch the trophy.

The clash of the two top squads of the NCAA started on a high note with San Beda getting an outright advantage on the offensive end following a set of barrages to pound the defense of their foes.

As a result, the active offense of San Beda exposed an opening on the backline of Lyceum resulting to 40^th minute goal by veteran midfielder Shaun Soberano to open the 4-goal outing of the Red Booters before the halftime break.

A few moments into the second half, another goal was etched to the name of San Beda as Miguel Caindec managed to utilize his nifty footwork to leave his defender and tuck in a goal.

Consequently, after a wild sequence, the Lycean frontline managed to sneak in a goal but was immediately disallowed due to foul committed by their attacker.

To add to the otherwise successful conquest of San Beda, two more goals were added by veteran striker Ashley Flores to seal the win and the championship for the Christopher Pedimonte-mentored squad.

Meanwhile, to put the cherry on top on the win, SBC took all the awards of the tournament.

Bedan skipper Matthew Asong was named the most valuable player and the best defender while his teammates Anton Albao, Soberano, and Flores were given the best goalkeeper, best midfielder and best striker awards.

Also, head coach Pedimonte was chosen as the coach of the year for the collegiate football tilt.

– Rappler.com