Philippine football

Vic Sison, top goalie of 1950s, dies

Rappler.com

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

Vic Sison, top goalie of 1950s, dies

STANDOUT. Vic Sison starred for the national football team in his teens.

Contributed photo

'He was the best goalie in the 1950s,' says former Philippine Football Federation president Johnny Romualdez of Vic Sison

Vic Sison, one of Philippine football’s best goalkeepers, died on Thursday, October 14, at the age of 84 due to the coronavirus.

”[He] would have been 85 in December,” Sison’s son Philip told Rappler.

The 5-foot-11 Sison was a strong leaper in getting corner kicks, rushed out of the box to tackle forwards, and despite his youth, guided the older fullbacks in defense.

“He was the best goalie in the 1950s,” said former Philippine Football Federation president Johnny Romualdez in a phone interview.

Sison saw action for arguably the strongest Philippine football team formed, the 1958 Asian Games squad that upset Japan 1-0 to reach the quarterfinals. 

The national team’s backline was helmed by Sison, right fullback Ricardo Marmoleno, left fullback and future basketball star Ed Ocampo, and center halfback Manolo Rabat. They were mentored by Ramon Echevarria of La Salle.

Asked how he was able to guide the defense and tend goal, Sison said in a 2014 interview for a football book: “You do your best and try not to show it if things do not work out.”

Sison was honed by Ateneo coach Teodoro Erechun, who made the Blue Eagles into a football power in the NCAA before Mapua later dominated.

In a testament to his skill, Sison was always recruited by the Lions, who ruled the Manila Football League from 1955 to 1962, when they faced foreign teams in exhibition matches.

Sison later retired at the age of 21 as he had to earn a living. His two teammates, Ocampo and Eddie Pacheco later became famous in basketball, although from time to time, Pacheco would suit up once for the national football team.

Sison was also behind the creation of the Ateneo Sports Hall of Fame, which honors the alumni’s achievements in Philippine sports.

Housed at the Moro Lorenzo Gym, it depicts the past admirably, the history which should not be forgotten, especially of a young high schooler who became one of the country’s best goalies. – Rappler.com

Add a comment

Sort by

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

Summarize this article with AI

How does this make you feel?

Loading
Download the Rappler App!