The School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA) Tigers celebrated a triumphant victory as they led the football match against the Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM) Falcons, securing a 2-0 win to claim the championship title for the second consecutive year. 

The first two minutes of the game were head-to-head outs and saves by the respective teams’ players and goalkeepers, which made for an intense play as both teams were a kick away from acquiring the ‘24 champion title.

Exchange of goal attempts was made by both teams, but the Falcons’ strong defense was defeated as Tigers’ striker Altoine Ray Alfonso broke the deadlock, sneaking in a ground shot to put the Tigers ahead 1-0.

Further attempts from Tigers’ defender Vianney Lagundi and winger Wilsanth Guillen were thwarted by the Falcons’ goalkeeper, resulting in the Tigers maintaining their 1-0 lead as the first half concluded.

In their thirst to acquire the second goal in the finals, both teams remained persistent in scoring as the second half of the game started with teases of head kicks from both teams.

Gaining momentum after his goal in the first half, Alfonso strived to aim for another kick and marked the second goal of the game, increasing the gap score by 2 goals and making the Falcons pant in an attempt to overpower the dominant team.

Continuous attempts for goals were made by the Tigers but were consistently rejected by the Falcons’ goalkeeper, ending the match with a standing of 2-0. 

In an interview with Atenews, Alfonso admitted that aiming for a goal was a challenging event during the match because of how tight the opposing players were when it came to their defense play.

”Mahirap siya pasukin since don nakatambay [ang mga players] sa goalie, tapos ginafigure out namin kung pano siya lusutin,” Alfonso said.

Alfonso also revealed that adjustments were made during the match to help them secure their win in the game.

“Siguro sa pag adjust kay double effort na lang kay kanina, hindi pa talaga ‘yun all out. Since championships—importante, tapos last game—so double effort,” Alfonso added.

The Tigers built on their successful strategy from last year, where they were also crowned champions of the football mixed category, adding to their legacy from Palarong Atenista 2018.

The Palarong Atenista Football Mixed Category was held at the Ateneo de Davao Matina Campus on September 22.