2025-11-16 11:00
by
nlpkak
I still remember the final buzzer sounding during that heartbreaking Ginebra game last season—the arena fell silent except for the triumphant cheers from the Tropang Giga bench. Ginebra had put up a gallant stand but eventually fell 87-85, dropping to 1-2 in the finals series. That moment stuck with me, not just as a basketball fan, but as someone who’s followed La Salle’s football program for years. You see, in Philippine sports, the lines between different disciplines often blur; the spirit of competition connects them. And right now, I can’t help but wonder: Can La Salle’s football team channel that same fighting energy and reclaim the championship legacy they’ve been chasing?
Let’s rewind a bit. La Salle’s football team isn’t just any squad—they’ve got history. Back in 2016, they clinched the UAAP championship with what I’d call a near-perfect season, finishing with a 12-2 record. But since then, it’s been a rollercoaster. In the 2022 season, they ended up third, winning 8 matches but losing 4, and honestly, it felt like they were playing with one hand tied behind their back. Injuries to key players like Javier Romero and a defense that conceded 15 goals overall didn’t help. I’ve spoken to a few alumni close to the program, and they’ve hinted at internal shifts—new coaching strategies, younger recruits—that give me a flicker of hope. But hope isn’t enough; you need grit, and that’s where this season comes in.
This year, the team’s roster looks promising, at least on paper. They’ve brought in Marco Santos, a 19-year-old midfielder who, from what I’ve seen in preseason friendlies, has the vision of a seasoned pro. Pair him with veterans like team captain Luis Mendoza, and you’ve got a midfield that could dominate possession. Stat-wise, La Salle averaged 58% ball possession last season, but their conversion rate was a dismal 12%—that’s where they need to improve. I’ll be blunt: if they can’t turn chances into goals, they’ll end up like Ginebra in that finals series—fighting hard but falling short. And nobody wants a repeat of that 85-87 kind of heartbreak.
What really excites me, though, is the shift in tactics. Coach Garcia seems to be embracing a high-press system, something I’ve advocated for in my analysis pieces before. In their recent tune-up match against Ateneo, they applied pressure early, forcing 20 turnovers and scoring two quick goals in the first half. Sure, it’s just a friendly, but it shows intent. Compare that to last season’s sluggish starts where they often trailed by a goal or two by halftime—it’s a step in the right direction. I’ve always believed that football, much like basketball, is won in those small moments: a well-timed tackle, a clever pass, the mental resilience to bounce back. La Salle’s players need to embody that, especially when facing rivals like UP or FEU, teams that have historically outmuscled them in physical duels.
But let’s talk about the elephant in the room: consistency. In my years covering sports, I’ve noticed that great teams don’t just have skill; they have soul. La Salle’s 2021 campaign was a prime example—they started strong with a 5-game winning streak but fizzled out in the semis, losing 3-2 on aggregate. It was a collapse that left fans, including myself, scratching our heads. This season, they’ve already shown flashes of brilliance, like their 4-1 demolition of UST, where striker Ana Cruz netted a hat-trick. Yet, in the very next game, they struggled to a 1-1 draw against a weaker Adamson side. That inconsistency is what worries me. If they can’t string together wins, especially in crucial matches, they’ll be watching the finals from the sidelines again.
Finals, by the way, are where legends are made. Take that Ginebra game I mentioned earlier—down to the wire, every possession mattered. For La Salle football, the path to the championship isn’t just about tactics; it’s about mentality. I recall chatting with a former La Salle player who told me that during their 2016 title run, the team had this unshakable belief, almost a swagger. Fast forward to now, and I see glimpses of it in their captain’s leadership during timeouts. But they’ll need more than confidence; they’ll need data-driven precision. For instance, their set-piece defense has been leaky, conceding 8 goals from corners last season. If they tighten that up, maybe reduce it to 3 or 4, it could be the difference between lifting the trophy and another near-miss.
As the season unfolds, I’m keeping a close eye on their upcoming fixtures. Rumor has it that key player Diego Ramos might return from injury by mid-season, which could boost their attack significantly. In my opinion, if they can maintain a 70% win rate in the first round and avoid major setbacks, they’ve got a real shot. But let’s not sugarcoat it—the competition is fierce. Teams like UE have upgraded their squads, and the margin for error is slim. Ultimately, reclaiming a championship legacy isn’t about one glorious moment; it’s about grinding through every match, learning from past stumbles, and maybe, just maybe, writing a new chapter. So, can they do it? I’m leaning toward yes, but only if they play with the heart we saw in Ginebra’s stand—minus the final disappointment. After all, in sports, as in life, it’s not just about how you fall, but how you rise.
