Ateneo Men's Football Match #7 A goalkeeper’s benediction, number ten, and the attacking wingbacks

Ateneo 1 vs. University of the East 0
by rick olivares

Match #7
February 3, 2008
Erenchun Field
Ateneo De Manila University

It’s a ritual for Robert Martos, the goal keeper from the University of the East. He’s far away from his native Romblon but even while playing football here in Manila, he always makes it a point to say at prayer before each goalpost before the start of the game. While watching Ateneo’s demolition of La Salle last Thursday, Martos and teammate Mark Madrona (the younger brother of former Ateneo back-up keeper Greg who played on the three-peat title team) knew there was trouble ahead. They were playing a prodigious Ateneo team that was gaining more and more confidence with every game.

And Martos prayed that no Atenean goal would go past.

At the end of the last game versus La Salle, Ateneo coach Ompong Merida and Ateneo Football Center head Jong Castaneda conferred about making sure that there would be no let down against UE. In seasons past, playing them was a sure win. But with the return of Madrona to their side and a more attack-minded system installed by Coach Lloyd Lim, they were actually a tough team to beat. Madrona’s proficiency in sepak takraw made him an even more dangerous player once inside the box.

“We just have to make sure he’s marked all the time and he doesn’t get a good shot off,” said assistant coach Bob Manlulo who temporarily took over from Merida who was in Romblon to receive an award for being one of the island’s distinguished ambassadors.

But if Ateneo made a case for Madrona, UE had theirs with number ten. Gerard Cancio had scored four goals in the tournament and assisted on two others. His one year on the sidelines has made him a more patient and smarter player. In his return, he’s found out that he need not score to help the team win.

Yet in the return match between the two teams, it seemed that UE might score early. In the first 15 minutes they already had three corners and seven shots on goal. The Blue Booters’ one good shot was a blast by Gino Tongson that went wide. In the 35^th minute, Cancio who was coming off the bench for the first time this season went in for midfielder Gab Siojo.

Spying the substitution, Martos issued a warning to his defenders Shem Bensurto and Erwin Briones, “Si diyes (referring to the Ateneo striker’s number) nandyan na. Si Cancio! Si Cancio! I-mark niyo si Cancio.”

In the 40^th minute Cancio bore down from the left flank and ditched Briones with a feint. Bensurto, he of the booming free kicks tried to block the path of the Ateneo striker but Cancio slipped right through and booted in a shot past Martos for the game’s first (and only) goal.

“Ay yay yay,” muttered Martos as he picked himself up from the ground. “Sabi nang i-mark niyo si Cancio, eh!” As he made his way to the bench at the half, Martos shook his head and muttered, “Yan lang (Cancio’s entrance) pala hinihintay ng Ateneo.”

The second half saw Ateneo with six shots on goal as the defensive wingbacks took the fight to UE. The Red Warriors had 11 corner kicks for the game and this was putting pressure on the Blue Booters’ defense. And whether by luck, skill, or Divine Intervention, Martos managed to make repeated saves. Even a James Arco shot that ricocheted off the post bounced harmlessly outside.

After a point blank shot that was flubbed by Gino Tongson (similar to Cancio’s shot versus La Salle), Martos went to each goal post and said a quick prayer.

Over at the Ateneo side of the pitch, the blues’ keeper RS Mantos was himself putting on a showcase for superb goaltending. UE’s coaching staff learned from UST by immediately putting up the long ball and placing pressure on the defense and the keeper. “Challenge niyo lang, bay,” egged on Mark Madrona.

When the final whistle blew we had to go up to both keepers and offer them a handshake for a great effort, Martos’ allowing a goal notwithstanding.

“Dapat sabi ko kay God na wag pa-score si Cancio,” smiled the UE keeper. “Baka mas malakas yung dasal niya."

Poll Results: Who will win this year's UAAP women's volleyball crown?
Ateneo 28 votes
UST 26 votes
FEU 13 votes
La Salle 7 votes
Adamson 4 votes