Back-to-back champions: Ateneo Midgets B rules RIFA Football

The Ateneo de Manila Midgets B (born 2013) team once again dominated the pitch, emerging as back-to-back champions in this year’s RIFA Football Tournament.

Led by team captains Jacob Navarro, Miguel Tagarda and Ryan Moti, the young booters displayed exceptional grit, teamwork, and composure throughout the competition—hallmarks of a true championship squad.

Their journey to the title was anything but easy.

First, Ateneo needed to win its last elimination game against Don Bosco Makati. The team fell behind early, 0-1, after a Don Bosco penalty. Undaunted, the players clawed their way back, eventually scoring an equalizer courtesy of Jacob Navarro assisted by Miguel Tagarda.

Not content, the boys pressed ahead and were eventually rewarded for their efforts when Jose Bernal scored what turned out to be the winning goal.

Don Bosco’s players desperately tried to equalize but their attempts to score were repeatedly thwarted by Ateneo’s vaunted backline led by Ryan Moti and goalkeeper Niall Enciso. The game ended 2-1 and, thus, Ateneo booked its slot to the Division 1 Cup semifinals.

The semis clash against De La Salle Zobel followed a similar pattern. After falling behind 0-1 courtesy of a La Salle penalty, the team showed remarkable resilience when, just minutes after, Miguel Tagarda stepped up with a crucial hit to level the game. The match then turned into a dogfight with neither team giving way and further intensified when Zobel regained the lead late in the second half.

Still, the boys never lost hope and in the dying minutes, Zac Diaz, who usually plays as a goalkeeper, equalized with a powerful header from a Jacob Navarro assist to force a penalty shootout. With nerves of steel, the boys eventually triumphed in penalties, securing their place in the Finals.

The championship match against Claret was a commanding performance for Ateneo which dominated the entire game en route to convincing 5–1 victory, highlighted by an outstanding hat-trick from Navarro.

Navarro, who led the charge with skill, precision, and leadership on the field, was later on named Tournament MVP.

More than just a victory, this championship reflects the team’s unwavering determination, strong character, and deep trust in one another. Their back-to-back triumph is a testament to their hard work and the culture of excellence honed by coaches Nelson Sadon and Erwin Mallorca.

The team was composed of Red Alminar (7-Borgia), Ethan Villanueva (7-Arrowsmith), Marcus Cuyugan (6-Brebeuf), Gab Castro (6-Berchmans), Jacob Navarro (7-Berthieu), Altis Villaseñor (7-Bobola), Miggy Pineda (6-Faber), Johann Arañas (6-Gonzaga), Ryan Moti (7-Azevedo), Savino Gunda (7-Berchmans), Daniel Guerrero (7-Berchmans), Jose Bernal (7-Baena), Teo Roman (7-Briant), Ayaan Pattnaik (7-Azavedo), Niall Enciso (7-Ashley), Zac Diaz (7-Baena), Migo Achas (7-Bobola), Miguel Tagarda (6-Pignatelli).

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