The last time we saw a consistent and top-ranked defensive team in the UAAP was two years ago when FEU won the title over Ateneo. When we say consistent, that's from the start 'til the end of the tournament.
This year, it's been a rollercoaster ride for teams in terms of defense. Yet we've decided to rank them:
1. UST -- 5 wins 2 draws = 17 points Goals For: 11 Goals Against: 6 for a +5 difference
2. FEU -- 5 wins 1 loss 1 draw = 16 points Goals For: 12 Goals Against: 7 for a +5 difference
3. UP -- 3 wins 3 losses 1 draw = 10 points Goals For: 9 Goals Against: 7 for a +2 difference
4. ADMU - 2 wins 4 losses 1 draw = 7 points Goals For 5 Goals Against: 9 for a -4 difference
5. DLSU -- 2 wins 4 losses 1 draw = 7 points Goals For: 3 Goals Against: 8 for a -5 difference
6. UE - 1 win 6 losses = 3 points Goals For 9 Goals Against: 13 for a -4 difference
Top scorers through seven matches:
1. Christian De Juan (UST) - 4 goals
2. Glester Sobremisana (FEU) - 3 goals
3. Mark Clariño (UST) - 3 goals
4. Jason Cordova (FEU) - 3 goals
5. Fitch Arboleda (UE) - 3 goals
6. Gringo Bravo (UE) - 3 goals
The standings are as of seven matches although pending the protest against UP, the defending champs stand to forfeit all their matches. The wins may be overturned but the goals will stand. The reason being is two of their players Ayi Aryee and Nate De Guzman played in UFL matches. UAAP rules stipulate that no player may play in any other tournament at the same time. Aryee suited up for Union FC where he is the captain while De Guzman is with Diliman FC (where former UP coach Bob Salvacion is the head).
UP's Athletic Director chided team officials for allowing their players to do so (ignorance is not an excuse) and continuing to play them even with the knowledge that their players were under protest. It is sad because their team is clearly one of the best we've seen in a long time and it's a shame that a defending champ is unable to defend a title due to irresponsibility. The fault also can be pointed towards NCRFA officials for allowing the tournament to go on at the same time as the UAAP. It has not only caused problems for players (Aryee and De Guzman aren't the only players listed with UFL teams there are others although they did not play) but also for game officials.
This early, UE should get the Fair Play Award. Excellent attitude and sportsmanship on and off the pitch. Their place in the standings hardly begins to tell the story of this courageous team that lost head coach Lloyd Lim mere days before the start of the tournament. Lim, who is also a national coach, was diagnosed with cancer and has been unable to continue with his duties. So let's offer some prayers for the man, please! The team obviously has been affected but you can clearly see the talent that they have. This season might have gone in a direction that they didn't expect but they have to bounce back next year.
Most disappointing team in the tournament: DLSU. Starting XI given much exposure in the UFL with great results prompting high seeding. Come UAAP, the best tournament in the country in the absence of nationals, they fall flat. Coach Hans even offered to resign last week because of the poor attitude of his players. It was of course, declined. However this year turns out for La Salle, we're going to see plenty of new faces on his squad next year. Ixnay on the attitude! Highlight thus far is beating Ateneo twice. First time since 2000. Lowlight, their poor attitude and sheer arrogance against UE where they got their tails handed to them 5-0. Smit was so shocked ten seconds into the game that their on field arrogance was so out of place. "WTF is going on here," he turned to ask his coaches. "What's with kids today?"
Best keeper of the tournament - I'd hand it to UST's veteran GK Johnson Lee.
Best rookie thus far is UST's Christian De Juan.
They were seeded to challenge for the title this year but UST has been surprising many people with their play. If you ask me, their strength is their back four anchored by Mark Basa. The kid used to play in the Fil-Chinese leagues and was rather slow and skinny. He's sure come a long way now. Excellent form with a good nose for the ball. I'd give it to FEU's Jason Cordova but he's split time between defense and offense perhaps making him the most versatile player on the field. But FEU's superiority is in the midfield.
Ateneo... WTF! Some players do not come to play at all. Guess they have no clue what elite football competition is all about. At times it's all Gerard Cancio (or Gab Siojo). Can't win a ballgame by himself. Some like Fred Ozaeta have been playing hurt so you gotta give it to him. But the others have to step up.
UP... these guys are a pure joy to watch once you get past their roughhousing. If you ask any UAAP players who the roughest team is they'd point to Diliman. But when it comes to skill -- what a treat. Great IQ on the game. It's sad that some seniors on the squad have taken things rather lightly and it might have told on the team (info from coaching staff). But this squad should be real good for years to come. Never a good idea to discount this team.
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