THE ATENEO Blue Eagles succumbed to the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Booters, 0-2, earlier this afternoon at the University of the Philippines (UP) Football Stadium in Diliman. The tough loss gives the Blue Eagles a 1-1 record to start Season 85 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).
UST set the tone from kick-off as the Golden Booters came out with more energy than the Katipunan-based squad. At the 15th minute mark, Ateneo goalkeeper Artuz Cezar was tested by UST, managing to save an attempt on a goal.
[First Half]
— Sean Jhoyze Borres (@Sean_TheGUIDON) February 26, 2023
'15 – Cezar denies UST’s shot at the goal.
Ateneo 0 UST 0@TheGUIDONSports#UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/QCQ4drjcIC
A few minutes later, however, the team from España stayed persistent as multiple chances inside the box finally led to a conversion—the game’s first goal. UST led 1-0 at the 22th minute.
Struggling to find their momentum, the Blue Eagle defense once again was caught lacking as Stephen Marasigan of the Golden Booters scored his second goal, forcing Ateneo to trail behind, 0-2. The two early goals cemented a rough first half showing for Ateneo who did not concede a single goal in their previous match.
During the last few minutes of the first half, the Blue and White tried to find their rhythm in the game. A set piece from winger Leo Maquiling failed to find a header inside the box, leaving Ateneo scoreless after the first 45 minutes.
[First Half]
— Sean Jhoyze Borres (@Sean_TheGUIDON) February 26, 2023
'37 – Ateneo misses a free kick.
Ateneo 0 UST 2#UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/8wwXzlTxBH
The second half saw more of the same attempts for Ateneo as free kicks at the 60th and 67th minute gave the Blue Eagles chances to score. The UST defense proved just enough to foil the attempts as the UST Goalkeeper saved the latter attempt on goal.
[Second Half]
— Sean Jhoyze Borres (@Sean_TheGUIDON) February 26, 2023
60’ – Ateneo misses another free kick.
Ateneo: 0 UST: 2#UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/TmS3MA7cDa
[Second Half]
— Sean Jhoyze Borres (@Sean_TheGUIDON) February 26, 2023
Ateneo once again denied of a free kick.
Ateneo: 0 UST: 2#UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/OOkb8Y19nv
The AMFT locked down on defense in the second half as Luard Abaa and Jose Lopez swarmed a UST player on the wing and forced an easy shot for Cezar to save. UST remained ahead after 70 minutes.
[Second Half]
— Sean Jhoyze Borres (@Sean_TheGUIDON) February 26, 2023
Ateneo demonstrates strong defense denying UST their third goal.
Ateneo: 0 UST: 2#UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/8PMJPQdRBN
Time was not on the Blue Eagles’ side as UST played the final 20 minutes with enough aggressive play to edge out Ateneo, capping the game at 0-2 in favor of the Golden Booters.
Team Captain Szymon Mercado was disappointed after the loss but acknowledged UST’s unmatched effort against his team. “Losing’s part of football. They [UST] wanted it more than us. They beat us to the ball more.” said Mercado.
The AMFT will look to get back to their winning ways on Sunday, March 5 against the University of the East Red Warriors at 6 PM once again at the UP Football Stadium.
