Mapúa Booters earn milestone bronze in NCAA 100 Football Tournament

Article by: Alexa Juliana E. Karaan

Graphics by: Albert Dylan D. David and Sean Carlo O. Samonte

Photo by: Luis Iñigo A. Lava

Marching onto the field with grit, Mapúa University’s football team, the Mapúa Booters, fought their way to a hard-earned bronze in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 Football Tournament. With a total of five competing squads in the league, their campaign lasted from March 22 to April 26 at the University of Makati Football Stadium, and battled through early setbacks but came back strong in the battle of third to close out with a strong finish.

The Mapúa Booters launched their centennial opener on March 22 against the De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde Blazing Strikers, putting in their best foot forward as Maglinas found the back of the net in the ninth minute. Despite the early breakthrough, the team eventually succumbed to mounting pressure, finishing with a 1-3 loss.

 They returned to the pitch on March 26 to face the defending champions, the San Beda University (SBU) Red Booters.  The team fought hard to withstand the opponent’s relentless attack but ultimately fell short, absorbing a 0-7 defeat. 

Determined to bounce back from a string of losses, the Mapúa Booters delivered a powerful performance against the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA on March 29. Castillo took control, netting a hat trick with goals in the fifth, 34th, and 61st minutes. Edito Escario Jr. sealed the victory with a clutch goal in the 81st minute, securing a commanding 4-1 win—their first of the season.

Eager to build on their momentum, the red and gold squad faced the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals in their final match of the elimination round on April 2. However, their hopes were dashed with a 0-6 loss, placing them fourth at the end of the elimination round with a 1-4 standing. 

Laced up and locked in for the finals, the Booters prepared for a high-stakes rematch against the SBU Red Booters on April 12, with hopes of securing a ticket to the finals. Despite holding their nerve, the red and gold squad faltered, suffering a 0-6 defeat.  

Aiming to get back on track, the Booters faced the EAC Generals in the battle for third place on April 26. Captain Mark Zildjian Cabilangan gave Mapúa an early lead with a goal in the 20th minute, but the EAC Generals equalized the game in the 40th minute, leveling the score at 1-1.The match intensified as tensions rose, with Cabilangan and Edito Escario Jr. both receiving yellow cards for aggressive play in midfield. Despite efforts from both sides, the deadlock remained unbroken, and the game ended in a hard-fought draw. With no winner emerging at full time, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout. Cañelas, Gordo, and Toledo confidently converted their spot kicks, while goalkeeper Eric Conception came up big with crucial saves. The Booters secured a 3-2 shootout victory, clinching a strong finish and bringing home the bronze at the end of the tournament.

This feat marked a significant milestone in the history of the Mapúa Booters, as team captain Geremy Toledo put it, “Considering that the Mapúa Booters were only rebuilt last season, securing a podium finish together is something that we are incredibly proud of,” he remarked. “It shows how far we’ve come in a short amount of time, and it motivates ourselves to keep pushing hard.”

Team Captain Geremy Toledo expressed his gratitude to the Mapúan community for their unwavering support, saying he deeply appreciates everyone who showed up and stood by the team every step of the way. “We would like to thank the Mapúan community for supporting us, ‘yung binibigay nila saamin all throughout the season, especially the [Athletics] department na lagi kami tinutulungan.”

Moving forward with a bronze medal under their belt, the Mapúa Booters remain grounded, striving to stay humble and let their performance speak for itself in every match.