THE ATENEO Blue Eagles put on an offensive masterclass en route to a 5-0 victory over the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors on Sunday, February 25, at the FEU-Diliman Football Field.
The win brings Ateneo’s record to 3-0-2 and lifts them into a +6 on goal difference in Season 80 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Men’s Football tournament.
Jarvey Gayoso led the assault with a brace, increasing his goal haul to five for the season. Koko Gaudiel, after an excellent performance in the heart of the squad, came away with a goal and assist, while Enzo Ceniza and Jimi Haosen each found the target to complete the rout.
Fresh off a frustrating defeat against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, Head Coach Jaypee Merida shuffled the starting XI against UE. He deployed nominal starting center back William Grierson up front (a move Merida toyed with in the off-season), played Gaudiel and Michael Castillo in the midfield, and slotted Ged Poe at left side of the back-three.
The lineup change appeared to jump-start the team, resulting into a more spirited attacking effort in the opening minutes. Ceniza began the onslaught with a right-footed effort at the 13th minute, his first goal of the season.
13’ – GOAL! Ceniza is denied off Castillo’s cut back but the midfielder takes the loose ball, skips away from two, and plants a shot into the top corner!
Ateneo 1 UE 0#UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/OmAvLnk2aR
— Joaquin A. Santos (@Joax_TheGUIDON) February 25, 2018
Frustrations got the best of the Red Warriors at the 21st minute mark. After complaining about a series of non-calls, a vexed Jo Mallen made physical contact with the referee which warranted an automatic red card. The heated midfielder refused to leave the field, chasing after the referee before being ushered off.
21’ – Mallen is given a straight red card after disrespectful conduct and making contact with the referee! Mallen refused to leave the pitch and remained heated before being ushered off.
Ateneo 1 UE 0#UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/Cgf0pGBhIZ
— Joaquin A. Santos (@Joax_TheGUIDON) February 25, 2018
The Blue Eagles began to press higher up the pitch to take advantage of the extra man. Gayoso’s strike shortly before halftime was a result of this added defensive pressure, as he pounced on a UE defensive error to deftly slot home the team’s second goal.
45’ – GOAL! Gayoso pounces on a defensive error, glides left, and slams a shot into the roof of the net!
Ateneo 2 UE 0#UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/0Mgy1emAva
— Joaquin A. Santos (@Joax_TheGUIDON) February 25, 2018
Ateneo continued to put pressure on the UE backline in the ensuing half. Gaudiel scored the third of the match at the 50th minute, capping off a great team move with a powerful grounded effort.
50’ – GOAL! Haosen’s backheel sends Mathay to the byline. Gaudiel powers into the box to tuck in from the cut-back!
Ateneo 3 UE 0#UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/vobg3sJnfR
— Joaquin A. Santos (@Joax_TheGUIDON) February 25, 2018
The veteran midfielder played the role of distributor in Ateneo’s next, assisting Gayoso’s second strike in the 61st minute with an over-the-top through ball.
61’ – GOAL! Gayoso gets his brace after Gaudiel’s delicate chip puts him through on goal!
Ateneo 4 UE 0#UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/kSsYYvFhYd
— Joaquin A. Santos (@Joax_TheGUIDON) February 25, 2018
Substitute forward Jimi Haosen crowned the team’s wire-to-wire drubbing with a calm strike at the 79th minute.
79’ – GOAL! Haosen calmly slots the ball in the bottom-left corner to claim the fifth of the match!
Ateneo 5 UE 0#UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/lJDeBfK3xl
— Joaquin A. Santos (@Joax_TheGUIDON) February 25, 2018
“It was a good bounce back win. I’m thankful for the way we responded to our loss,” said Gaudiel after the match. “I thought we did really well in the attacking third, especially since we had a big problem finishing our chances last game. We worked on it in training all week and it paid dividends for us today.”
Rookie debutants Gavin Rosario and Joaquin Roque were proud to don the Blue and White for the first time this season. After narrowly missing a chance to mark his first game with a goal in the 90th minute, Roque shared, “After the next training sessions, I’ll make sure I convert my performances into goals next time.”
Rosario, who had to contend with an arm injury that had kept him sidelined thus far, was proud to be on the field once again, saying, “I’ve been working to at least be able to play. Today, my opportunity came and I didn’t want it to pass.”
Starting XIs
Ateneo: Arcilla (GK); G. Poe, Rocha, Dy; Castillo, Gaudiel, Roxas (c), Ceniza, Mathay; Gayoso, Grierson
UE: Rieza (GK); Sola, Polinag (c), Malayo, Arboleda; Galaura, Mallen, Bagsic, Absalon, Lerion; Diano
Substitutions
46’ – Haosen on for Grierson
59’ – Herrera on for Ceniza; Bana on for Castillo
66’ – Alilam on for Gayoso
69’ – Rosario on for Arcilla
77’ – Nacional on for Gaudiel
82’ – Roque on for Mathay
Yellow Card
17’ – Gaudiel
Red Card
21’ – Mallen
