Red Booters Ready For Ang Liga
Armed with an arsenal of football prowess, the San Beda Red Booters have set their sights on a heftier prize of regaining the football crown in the upcoming 10th Ang Liga football season.
Ang Liga is an annual inter-collegiate football tournament, which was founded by San Beda football mentor Aris Caslib and College of St. Benilde (CSB) head coach Marlon Maro in 2003.
For the past nine seasons, the Red Booters have dominated the league and managed to win the Ang Liga championship in various occasions.
Last season, the Red-and-White troop finished the 12-game elimination with a record of ten wins, no loss, and two draws.
Despite an unblemished sheet in the elimination round, the Mendiola XI fell short in their crusade to recapture the elusive title which they last won in 2009.
Last June 23, the CSB Blazers shocked the Bedan brigade in the semis when skipper Jorge Bellosillo snatched a goal in the second half, instantly giving the Taft-based kickers a slot in the Finals.
Even though losing the opportunity to bring the championship back to Mendiola, former Red Booter and acting head coach Jeffrey “Pong” Liman said that the team remains positive and prepared for the upcoming matches in Ang Liga.
“On a positive note, we are all ready, both physically and mentally. Our goal is to win back the Ang Liga title. It is a prestigious league because this is the only tournament where both NCAA and UAAP teams are in one league,” he said.
According to Liman, maturity and expertise of the remaining veterans in the line-up will pull the chances of the Red shirts in their championship campaign.
“Our veterans will set a good example inside the field. Their role and experience will play an important factor in every game,” he added.
After a remarkable stint with the Philippine U-22 squad in Myanmar, Dingdong Fornea, Nhiboy Pedimonte and Ali Baldo are expected to deliver the necessary firepower in their scoring threats.
In addition, backbones Raffy Cabug, Shaun Soberano and Reymart Galacio will also be at the aid of the Mendiola-based footballers inside the playing field, while resident goalies Anthony Albao and Michael Yuvienco will be back to avail the goalkeeping services.
Aside from San Beda, other powerhouse college teams will be parading their colors in the opening ceremony on Sunday, July 8, which will be held at the San Beda football field.
Putting an extra mile in their training, Liman expects a tougher challenge against teams like CSB, Arellano University, University of the Philippines (UP), and University of Santo Tomas.
“CSB beat us last time, so we should not let our guards down. UP, who are the UAAP champs, will be playing too. Arellano and UST are also joining. So we really need to push ourselves in our preparation,” he mentioned.
On opening day, the Red Booters are set to face the Arellano Chiefs, the reigning Ang Liga champions, at 3pm.
Report by Victor Immanuel Icasiano
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