The #BenildeBlazingStrikers ended their title bid with a third straight runner-up finish, just falling short of the NCAA men’s football crown after a narrow 2–3 penalty shootout loss to the San Beda University (SBU) Red Booters on March 30 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
In a match that was packed with intensity from the opening whistle, both sides traded attacking spells and scoring opportunities, with neither side able to break the deadlock in regulation time. The contest extended into extra time, where the pace remained high but clear chances came at a premium. After 120 minutes of scoreless football, the title had to be decided from the penalty shot.
In the shootout, both teams were tested by the weight of the moment as Benilde convert Ed two attempts, but San Beda proved steadier, converting three penalties to seal the title.
Blazing Strikers Head Coach Marlon Maro shared that expectations were high coming into the final, especially after their previous result against San Beda. “Based on the preliminary, we beat them. Never nag-cross sa mind ko na matalo kami ngayon, even the boys. They were really expecting to win this match. But in the end, kinapos sa bandang huli,” he expressed.
The tightly contested match stretched beyond regulation and forced both teams to dig deeper into their benches, something the longtime head coach pointed to as a crucial factor in the outcome. “Because it was extended. In the last match, we ended in regulation time [and] we were winning. Tonight, the best player went out because of cramps, so that’s one factor.”
Still, for Coach Maro, the result ultimately came down to composure in the shootout, where execution in the final moments proved decisive. “At the end of the day, five kickers for San Beda, five kickers for us. So it’s the composure.”
In the aftermath, Coach Maro emphasized giving his players time to recover before revisiting the loss, noting that the focus moving forward would be on strengthening their composure and confidence in high-pressure situations, particularly in penalty shootouts.
Maro closed with a message of gratitude and hope for redemption next season. “Thank you to the Benildean community for your presence here. Hoping next year, makuha na natin.”
The men in green and white did not go home empty-handed, as Dale Rojenn Anoya bagged the Freshman of the Year award, while Javee Sebastian Astrid Tagle earned the Best Goalkeeper award, and Jesse Emmanuel Bajarla took home the Best Defender award.
