Fewer things give way to pandemonium the way a winning goal does. No matter how these goals are scored, they will always be met with raucous applause—a sound the UP Men’s Football Team quickly became acquainted with throughout the first round of the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Football Tournament.
But even with ten goals fielded in the tournament already, it is one goal that the team believes eclipses them all, the one they have been chasing since their unfortunate semifinal exit in Season 87: a chance to return to the top step of the UAAP podium. As the end of Round 1 on October 16, 2025 saw them at the top of the table, with five wins, one draw, and no losses (16 points, +6 GD), that goal seemed to be well within their reach.
But the path to victory is a long one, and the Fighting Maroons are set on taking it one game at a time.
A Slower Start
Contrary to what the numbers suggest, the UPMFT’s start to the season was less than ideal. With their captain, head coach, and senior goalkeeper all serving suspensions, as well as playing on unfamiliar grounds following the tournament’s shift to the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub Football Field, their first outing against a feisty University of the East squad would prove to be a challenging one.
Awarded with a corner after a foul on the opposing squad, Cian Galsim’s unerring delivery found third-year midfielder Ramil Bation in the 39th minute, whose subsequent header past UE keeper Chrisjan Tambilawan would give UP their first, and only, goal of opening day.
The Fighting Maroons had a chance to double their goals right before halftime, with the combined efforts of Florenz Tacardon, Shan Lorque, and Bation, but faltered against the UE backline. A looping header from Joseph Garces and a power shot from outside the box by Raiken Comla in the second half also provided scoring opportunities for the Fighting Maroons, but failed to find the back of the net.
The Red Warriors, meanwhile, also had several chances to equalize, including two chances off corners in the first half and a free kick in added time, but struggled to convert.
UPMFT rookie Jian Caraig, who was dubbed Man of the Match after his contributions to the team’s attacking efforts, admitted that he felt the team was “lucky” to escape with a win.
“In the second half towards the latter parts, I think UE was in control of the game, and we weren’t able to handle the pressure as much,” he said in a post-game interview. “I think we should have had more command and more presence towards the latter part of the game.”
A Chance to Retaliate
The memories of Season 87’s semifinal hang heavy over the heads of UP fans and players alike. A narrow 0-1 loss against the FEU Tamaraws dashed the UPMFT’s hopes of going back-to-back, and was exacerbated by an altercation that broke out between the two squads after Florenz Tacardon and Tamaraw Karl Absalon both went for a loose ball. The subsequent actions by players and staff on either side only fueled the contempt, and it took officials six minutes to quell tensions, which ultimately ended in two yellow cards for the Fighting Maroons and a send off for Head Coach Popoy Clarino.
It was no wonder, therefore, that their first meeting in nearly a year would be the setting for some terse moments. Bation was the first Fighting Maroon to be shown a yellow, after some physicality with FEU’s Mel Baylon, who was later issued a card of his own. Only minutes later, sophomore striker Joseph Garces’ push on Tamaraw keeper Mon Diansuy would also result in a yellow card.
Undeterred, the team proved their mettle in style, netting two goals off corner kicks in the first half alone. Bation set the game in motion, with his delivery from the left hand corner curling neatly into the net at the 18’ minute mark. Later, the midfielder also set up teammate Shan Lorque for a second UP goal, as yet another pinpoint corner would first bounce off the shoulder of an FEU player, find Lorque’s foot, and ultimately the back of the net.
Lorque describes the goal as a confidence-booster, especially since it was his first in the UAAP.
“Ang sarap lang po sa feeling kasi first UAAP goal ko pa, tapos laban pa sa defending champions,” he stated in an online interview. “Grabe yung intensity ng game, sobrang physical, pero worth it naman po lahat ng pagod. Nakapagbigay din po ng confidence sakin yung goal na yun.”
But for the rookie forward, more than the goals scored, what mattered most was how the team performed.
“Higit sa lahat, dahil na-meet namin yung objectives na binigay ng mga coaches at nagtatrabaho talaga lahat, para sa amin panalo na kami dun pa lang sa performance namin,” he added. “Bonus na lang po yung mga goals.”
Only in his first year for the UPMFT, Lorque is already making an impact on the team’s frontline, seeing crucial minutes in all of their matches so far. However, Lorque is still set on continuously improving his game, with the objective of being a better player for the team.
“I just want to say thank you to the coaches and teammates sa pagbibigay po sa akin ng opportunity to contribute to the team,” he stated. “Honestly, gusto ko pa ma-improve yung pressing, finishing, at syempre maging consistent every game.”
Lorque also added that he always wants to set a high standard for his on-pitch performance while still maintaining the consistency that is characteristic of the Fighting Maroons’ mindset. He also hopes to better apply the coaches’ lessons and help the team as much as he can.
“I’m always here for the team,” he asserted. “Sasaluhin ko sila on and off the field, yun po ang makakaya kong i-contribut e.
“Pero higit sa lahat, gusto ko talagang makatulong para maibalik sa UP ang championship. Yun po ang ultimate goal namin.”
The second half saw the defending champions increase their offense, with Selwyn Mamon’s header putting the Morayta-based squad on the scoreboard at the 58’ minute mark. But UP would only widen the gap further, as co-captain Florenz Tacardon would find the back of the net in the 80th minute, perfectly capitalizing on an assist from rookie Rehmat Sidhu.
The UPMFT netted one more goal in the dying minutes of the match, courtesy of Benz Samaniego’s cross finding a clean finish in Bation, but it would ultimately be ruled as offside. Still, the Fighting Maroons’ two goal lead would be enough to seal their retaliation, and give Bation his first Man of the Match dub of the season.
On the nature of the match, Bation agreed that there was indeed some friction between the two teams.
“Yes, there was tension and it was a physical game,” he commented in an interview. “But as a team, we just stayed focused and played smart.”
A Lull in Momentum
The lone blight on the Maroons’ first round record would be their goalless draw against the De La Salle Green Archers. Despite exchanging chances throughout the entirety of the match, the two squads were unable to breach each other’s defense and would settle for taking home a point each.
The Fighting Maroons dominated the first half, tallying ten shots, five of which were on target. Cian Galsim had a close attempt as early as seven minutes in, nearly capitalizing on a deflected Jian Caraig long throw. Galsim would also later send a cross to Bation that flew over the post, as well as make one last ill-fated attempt off another assist from Caraig that fell right into the hands of DLSU goalkeeper Edcel Lauron.
A quieter second half saw notable attempts from players such as Adri Caraig, who sent a set piece opportunity flying just above the post, and Juan Miguel Basmayor, whose near-screamer ended up bouncing off the crossbar. Defender Ivan Almodal would also make an attempt from the left wing, but was prevented by a clean save by Lauron.
Meanwhile, UP’s backline, bolstered by seniors Charles Lobitaña and Liam Lampayan, kept La Salle’s opportunities to a minimum, with their closest chance being a cross from rookie Bacchus Ekberg that was easily handled by Maroon goalie Fonzy Gonzalez.
“We just have to go back in training and work on our decision-making better inside the field. They should make the right decisions depending on the situation and just enjoy the game,” said Head Coach Popoy Clarino in an interview with the Tiebreaker Times.
A Tale of Two Brothers
In what would be a storybook return to their home turf, the UPMFT’s matchup against the Adamson Soaring Falcons was won by not one, but two Caraigs.
The siblings would show sparks of what was to come as early as four minutes in, with Jian outlasting an opposing defender to send a ball inside the box. It would land at the feet of his older brother, Adri, who got a good touch but missed the goal. The younger Caraig set up another shot only moments later, this time to Bation, but that, too, would miss the back of the net.
Other early UP attempts in the first half, including one from the connection of the team’s co-captains, Florenz Tacardon and Charles Lobitaña, were similarly foiled by Adamson keeper Shane Salarda.
But in the 35th minute, the Maroons’ effort would finally pay off in the form of a goal by Adri Caraig perfectly meeting his younger brother’s pass with a rolling shot that just evaded the Soaring Falcons’ backline.
For Adri, the connection between the two felt inevitable. “Honestly, it all happened so fast,” he stated in an interview. “I just had a gut feeling that my brother and I were going to connect at some point during that game. When I saw that ball coming from him, I just focused on getting the right touch and finishing it clean.”
“After it went in, that’s when everything really hit me. Scoring at home, in front of the UP crowd, and off my brother’s assist—it was a special moment for both of us, one I’ll definitely remember.”
The striker, now in his third year with the team, hopes to impart some valuable experience on a squad laden with rookies and younger players, stating that the responsibility of being a “kuya” has made him more mindful of how he carries himself, both on and off the pitch.
“I try to lead by example, whether that’s through my work ethic in training or how I stay composed during games,” he said. “I just want to be someone they can look up to, not only when things are going well, but also when the pressure’s high. It’s a big responsibility, but it also motivates me to keep improving every day.”
In addition to the goal—a first this season for Caraig—the game against Adamson also earned him a maiden Man of the Match, which the junior forward sees as incentive for self-improvement and a way to aid the greater team effort.
“It (the dub) means a lot because it reflects all the hard work behind the scenes, not just mine but the whole team’s,” he stated. “Football has always been a team effort, so while it’s nice to get that recognition, I see it more as a sign that what we’re doing collectively is working.”
Finally, Adri shared that he stays grounded by “focusing on the basics,” such as trusting the process, staying present, and remembering why he plays in the first place.
Being a part of the Season 86 squad that took home the championship and the one currently leading the race, it would be easy for anyone to buckle under the pressure that comes with the weight of expectations. For the older Caraig, however, rather than something to fear, the pressure is something more akin to an honor.
“Personally, I think pressure can actually be a good thing, since it reminds you that what you’re doing actually matters. The pressure is definitely there, but I see it as a privilege; it’s what keeps me sharp and hungry. At the end of the day, we just try to take it one game at a time.”
Adri’s younger brother, Jian, is another player that’s no stranger to pressure. A member of the U23 Philippine Men’s National Team, Caraig’s most recent outings were in the ASEAN U-23 Mandiri Cup 2025 and the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers. There, the rookie winger helped the country achieve consecutive historic finishes, with the Philippines finishing 4th in the former and tallying its first-ever win record in the latter.
Caraig has been a standout even amongst players of national team caliber, as his style of play garnered the attention of local fans and international commentators alike. One particular facet of his game that has piqued public interest is his long throws, which have served as a powerful new addition to the squad’s arsenal and have provided steady scoring opportunities for his teammates.
The throws that have become such a spectacle in UP’s games, Jian revealed in an interview, came to him naturally, but were strengthened by constant practice.
“It was natural,” he stated. “I’m not that big but I’m able to fling the ball to the second post everywhere.”
“I think I was just able to hone it, and then I had it naturally and I practiced and practiced with a medicine ball (weighted ball),” he added. “I just kept practicing, and I was able to master the throw and be able to throw it [in] wherever direction and create good plays for the team.”
Ironically, it would not be a long throw that would result in the winning goal. Rather, a running cross made just before the goal line—all while evading an Adamson defender—found his older brother and successfully secured the three points for the Fighting Maroons.
“I think Charles threw a long ball and Adamson had a miscommunication at the back, [so] I was able to get the loose ball,” recounted the younger Caraig. “I think I was just looking for a cross and fortunately, it was my brother, and he was able to slot it in the goal.”
The goal is proof that the siblings’ connection has not at all been severed by the time they spent apart, as Jian further shared that this season was the first time the two of them have played together since 2022.
“[It’s been] really, really good,” he stated. “I think we connect really well on plays, and I think we’re able to show people that we have a good connection [and that] we’re able to combine and create good plays for the team.”
Despite his rookie status, Caraig’s national team experience, as well as other stints abroad, have so far proven advantageous for the Fighting Maroons.
“[It was a] good experience with the national team, I was able to get a lot of minutes in,” he expressed. “I think the experience to play internationally is good, especially when bringing it into the UAAP.”
“I think I’m able to help the team have an edge in quality. In terms of quality of play, I think we’re able to execute plays better and we’re able to see the game more openly.”
A Clash of Titans
The meeting between the two Quezon City-based squads—a derby known across the UAAP as the “Battle of Katipunan”— has always been highly anticipated. This year was no different, as in front of a stadium packed on both sides, the UPMFT tallied yet another victory at the expense of the Season 87 finalists.
Midfielder Lorenz Tortona opened the scoring with near immediacy, converting a Jian Caraig long throw only two minutes in. Tortona’s header would allow the Fighting Maroons to enjoy the lead for a while, before returning Ateneo forward Kofi Agyei struck for the Blue Eagles in the 19th minute.
Though Agyei, alongside Ateneo captain Dov Cariño, would continue to test UP’s defense, it was the Maroons who broke the deadlock just before halftime. Senior defender Liam Lampayan moved up the pitch, taking advantage of a touch by Rehmat Sidhu and a scramble inside the opposing box, to score their second goal of the match.
Lampayan is well-acquainted with the act of scoring on Ateneo, as it was his dramatic stoppage-time header that ended the blue and white squad’s perfect elimination round run in Season 87.
The duo of Agyei and Cariño would continue to knock on UP’s doors in the second half, sending two consecutive attempts that were saved nicely by Fonzy Gonzalez.
Following his assist, Sidhu would then add a goal of his own to the scoreboard, getting the finish off an assist by Florenz Tacardon at the 61’ minute mark. Cariño’s response would come soon after, putting Ateneo within striking distance in the 64th minute. The Blue Eagle captain made several more attempts to follow, but none would be enough to get the equalizer, crowning the Fighting Maroons victorious once more.
“It was a collective effort,” said goalscorer Sidhu when asked for a breakdown of the win. “We did really well. But I do think there were some things that we could have worked on.”
“Like I said previously, we’re going to look forward, move forward, and, you know, improve these things in the upcoming games. And in terms of what made the difference, again, it’s a collective effort. We can’t just say that it was the offense or the defense.”
Fellow goalscorer Tortona similarly felt that the team needed to better their game, stating that:
“Obviously it feels good to get a win on our home turf, also against Ateneo. There’s a lot of things to improve on; it’s not a 10 out of 10 performance. There are things that we were lacking, but we promise to work on that, and the next game we’ll try to do our best.”
A Roaring End
The Fighting Maroons ended their round much in the same way they began it—with a slow start that would eventually give way to a roaring finish.
The team was tested early on in their match up against the UST Growling Tigers. Their opponents drew first blood, with Rodrigo Mariñas’ assist finding a calm finish in Kent Dela Peña at the 38 minute mark.
UP’s retort would be delivered by rookie Benz Samaniego, who had already made a number of previous tries for the Fighting Maroons, and finally found success off a rebounded ball only moments before halftime.
His initial attempt, sent careening to the post, first met the foot of a UST player before bouncing back to Samaniego. Persevering, the young winger would make a second attempt, which, this time, would make its way past the UST keeper and into the goal.
Samaniego recalled the feeling of scoring his maiden UAAP goal in an interview, saying that, in the moment, the entirety of his focus was on keeping his shot on the ground and out of the defenders’ reach.
“Luckily it bounced to my left foot, and from there it was all about hitting it the moment it touched the turf,” he added. “I was relieved, as well as full of energy, when I buried my shot. I knew the game was still tied, but the joy of scoring my first goal took over.”
The Fighting Maroons would distance themselves from the España-based squad even further in the second half, as Bation added yet another goal to his personal tally. The former Golden Boot outpaced his defenders to strike from the right wing. His shot would first bounce off the goal line to hit the crossbar, before indisputably falling into the net.
The third-year Dipolog City product recently made a shift in position, going from a striker to an attacking midfielder. While the change has not hampered his goalscoring prowess—as he currently leads the team with three goals to his name—Bation acknowledged the challenge of adjusting.
“The transition hasn’t been easy, but I’ve been putting in the work naman [in] improving my vision and decision making,” he stated in an interview. “I like the new challenge kasi I’m more involved in both offense and defense.”
As to the reason behind the change, Bation kept it simple, “Actually hindi ko alam. Coach Popoy put me in that position, and okay naman sakin so g lang.”
The top goalscorer also admitted that while he aspires to add more to his personal list of achievements, what matters more is the bigger picture, stating that:
“Of course I hope to add more. But the most important thing is helping the team to win and syempre yung championship diba. Bonus nalang yung ibang awards kung meron man.”
“I don’t know kung merong pressure,” he added. “[For] now I just focus on one game at a time and enjoy.”
The triumph cemented the team’s standing, but it was the UP community’s response to it that was far more overwhelming. While the challenge of what’s to come remains a mystery, the UP fans who were present at the stadium celebrated the win without inhibitions, cheering the achievements the team had already made.
For goalscorer Samaniego, this was a foreign thing, as his Canadian upbringing had made him a stranger to the energy that comes with playing in the UAAP.
“Playing in the UAAP has been a thrill,” he said. “Games in Canada never felt as lively as UAAP. With all the cheering and drums, who wouldn’t be thrilled to play any chance they get?”
The rookie attributed his journey to becoming a Fighting Maroon and joining the UAAP to head coach Popoy Clarino, “While living and playing abroad in Canada, what led me to the Philippines and UP was Coach Popoy, of course.”
“Meeting him and talking about my future plans really made me believe I had a future here in UP. The play style and the passion of the players in UP suits me just fine.”
Though it was his coach that gave the ultimate push, Samaniego had already built ties that perhaps indirectly contributed to his future as a Fighting Maroon.
In 2024, the winger joined the PH U19 Team for their campaign in the ASEAN U19 Boys Championship. Alongside him were some familiar faces, including the likes of goalkeeper Gonzalez, the younger Caraig brother, and defender Josh Meriño, who has yet to see minutes in the UAAP due to an injury.
Samaniego believes that his stint in the national team gave him the confidence to play to his fullest potential, as the experience shows in the quality of his movements. Moreover, he shared how the bonds forged in Philippine blue and white have fully carried over to UP maroon.
“Being the youngest player on the national team and here in UP, I’ve always been treated like a little brother by my teammates,” he added. “This has carried on ever since I [reconnected] with Josh (Meriño), Jian (Caraig), and Fonzy (Gonzalez), and it’s always a good time with them. But they’re all getting pretty old and leaving me behind, especially Josh Meriño.”
Samaniego’s confidence extends beyond himself. In a brief message to the UP Community, the squad’s youngest made a bold, but brave, statement that showed his firm belief in the team’s capabilities:
“The UP community has been so welcoming and passionate through every game we played. The team would appreciate your continuous love and support. We’re bringing it home this year.”
A Long Road Ahead
What has already felt like a long season is set to be longer still, as the UP Fighting Maroons gear up for the second round of action. From here on out, the Maroons will have to live up to their moniker and fight for every chance they get. The return of the twice to beat advantage for the first and second ranked teams in the Final Four will only add to that pressure, but it will be up to the team to handle it as best they can, in hopes of making it to the final and closer to that elusive “ultimate goal.”
For now, however, the squad will focus on fulfilling other objectives and winning their remaining matches before the long break, beginning in the third week of November and stretching throughout December to give way to the 2025 FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup and the 2025 SEA Games. Play will then resume on January 15, 2026, where the UPMFT will face the FEU Tamaraws.
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