The University of the Philippines Men’s Football Team clinched silver in the first-ever Tuloy Invitational Cup, held from August 6-31, 2025, at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub.
Entering the semifinals on top of Group A (composed of Far Eastern University, San Beda University, and Adamson University), the UPMFT first had to soldier through UAAP rivals Ateneo de Manila University in order to claim a spot in the finals. Both teams struggled to score throughout the match, with the lone goal coming from Maroon rookie Rehmat Sidhu in extra time. This goal, however, would prove to be enough for the Diliman-based squad to advance to the next round, where they would meet a new foe in PFL team Tuloy FC.
Both squads went into the finals with unsullied records, as neither team had tallied a defeat in the earlier stages of the tournament. However, missing the services of Head Coach Popoy Clarino, as well as seasoned players such as goalkeeper Alfonso “Fonzy” Gonzalez, forward Ramil Bation, and defender Jian Caraig—all of whom are currently representing the country in the U23 AFC Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers—made it clear that the UPMFT would have to make adjustments to the gameplay that had lent them success thus far.
The UP defense buckled early on, unable to stop a well-placed goal from Tuloy captain JohnLoyd Jalique in only the third minute. UP would continue to struggle as Jalique completed a brace, scoring from a distance at the 13’ minute mark. Despite this, the team managed to find their groove in the minutes before halftime, with rookie Sidhu making a shot on target at the 42’ minute mark and senior goalkeeper Chevey Celeste making a crucial save in added time to deny Tuloy a third goal.
UP began to show signs of their signature ‘fight’ in the second half, as fresh legs off the bench helped to create more chances for the Maroons, including close shots in the 51st and 72nd minutes that were both narrowly saved by Tuloy keeper Michael Antilo.
Gameplay was briefly halted in the 75th minute as midfielder Ishitaro Mori went down with an injury that rendered him unfit to continue the match.
“I went for the ball, and as I tackled—I’m honestly not too sure what happened,” he admitted in a post-game interview. “I think my leg got locked up in his (Tuloy FC player) legs. Then, when I planted my right leg, it got stuck on the grass, my knee twisted, and I felt a pop.”
“When it happened, I closed my eyes, I grabbed it,” he continued. “I just went down.”
A previous injury, which had kept him in recovery for the past two seasons, meant that the Tuloy Invitational Cup was the first tournament where Mori officially suited up for the Fighting Maroons. A starter for nearly all of the team’s matches since the Cup began, Mori has so far proven to be a stalwart presence in the midfield.
“I’ve had two major knee injuries, but that was on my left knee. This one’s on the right, so, this is new,” he remarked.
Initial assessments by the team’s physical therapists revealed that the midfielder’s ligament was intact, but swelling prevented them from reaching a clearer diagnosis. Thus, whether Mori will be able to partake in the upcoming UAAP season remains to be seen. “It’s up to the coaches na,” he stated. “It’s really not up to me.”
The Fighting Maroons finally managed to breach Tuloy’s defense in the 90th minute, following a pinpoint cross from rookie Benz Samaniego to sophomore Shan Lorque. Lorque’s diving header from inside the box would then provide the UPMFT with their only goal of the match.
The team ended their campaign in the inaugural cup with a silver finish, as well as two of the tournament’s special awards for Captain Charles Lobitaña (Best Defender) and Fonzy Gonzalez (Best Goalkeeper).
The newly-minted captain expressed surprise at receiving said award. “Di ko naman inexpect na maging Best Defender dito,” he said in an interview. “Binigay ko naman ang lahat ko and ang [gusto] lang naman talaga namin is may matutunan kami sa pre-season na ‘to. Sobrang laking tulong ng Tuloy Invitational Cup, so sobrang thankful namin.”
Lobitaña also praised his team’s performance throughout the tournament, but maintained that they had much to improve on in terms of consistency. Still, he added that he held nothing but pride for his team and the work they put into their preseason cup, stating that, “Binigay nila lahat, and then umabot kami ng Finals. So, happy ako sa team.”
However, the senior defender pointed out that, while a good performance, the team was not without its lapses. “Siguro yung pagiging sloppy namin minsan,” he remarked. “‘Yun nga, parte na ‘yun ng pagiging consistent namin. So, dapat, [from] the first minute until the last minute, dapat strong pa rin.”
The captain further commented on the new faces joining the UPMFT’s roster. “Okay naman sila, nakikisama naman sila,” he said. “Good preparation din ‘tong Tuloy sa pag-develop pa ng chemistry namin.”
With the preseason over, Lobitaña and the team now turn their focus to the upcoming UAAP season. “Exciting yung [season],” he stated. “Maganda yung preparation namin, so sobrang naeexcite din ako maglaro sa Season 88.”
When asked about whether UP would be chasing another title this year, Lobitaña was decisive in his agreement.
“Yes, always,” he said. “That’s the goal.”
The UPMFT will begin their journey to recapture UAAP gold when they return to the pitch for their first match of Season 88, set for the third week of September. Further details have yet to be announced.
