THE ATENEO Men’s Football Team (AMFT) escaped with a win against the Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons in their highest-scoring match of the season, 3-2. The match was held earlier today at the UP Diliman Football Field in Quezon City.
With this win, the Blue Eagles now sit at second place with a 4-2-2 win-draw-loss record in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 Men’s Football Tournament.
The San Marcelino-based squad opened up with a much more composed demeanor compared to their first outing with Ateneo. Their impressive defense to start the match opened up multiple opportunities for the Soaring Falcons. Soaring Falcon Carl Mahinay’s long ball went wide at the sixth minute, while an attempt two minutes later was headed out by Blue Eagle Jose Lopez.
Both sides failed to find their connections in the mid-third of the field in the early minutes of the game. Despite their struggles in the midfield, the Blue Eagles found a golden chance at the 16th minute with two opportunities to send the ball in. However, the Soaring Falcons’ pressure defense forced the ball out.
During the succeeding possession at the 17th minute, Ateneo would seek to replicate the same offensive sequence. Leo Maquiling’s long throw-in found Dov Cariño, whose header reached Szymon Mercado for a smooth touch. With Adamson keeper Zecheus Suarez spilling out of their post, Andy Roxas slotted in the ball for his first goal of the season, 1-0.
[First Half]
— Mookie Borja (@Mooks_TheGUIDON) March 30, 2023
17’ – GOAL
Andy Roxas taps the ball in for Ateneo’s first goal of the match.
Ateneo: 1 Adamson: 0 #UAAPFootball
However, the AMFT’s celebration would not last long. In the 27th minute, Soaring Falcon Jhon Coquilla set up Ruzzel Jose inside the penalty box. His resulting header resulted in a tight goal that just barely went past the line to equalize the match, 1-1.
[First Half]
— Mookie Borja (@Mooks_TheGUIDON) March 30, 2023
28’ – GOAL
Adamson stuns the Blue Eagle defense after a gorgeous header by captain Jose equals the score in the first half.
Ateneo: 1 Adamson: 1 #UAAPFootball
Adamson’s newfound momentum led to another chance at the 37th minute, with Coquilla spotting an opening between two Atenean defenders. With a lack of power in his shot, the ball was quickly corralled by Artuz Cezar.
This setback did not faze the Soaring Falcons as they knocked down another goal at the 39th minute. An impressive through ball connected with Cameroonian-born Darlton Digha, who whipped the ball in for Adamson to take the lead, 1-2.
[First Half]
— Mookie Borja (@Mooks_TheGUIDON) March 30, 2023
38’ – GOAL
Another lapse in the Ateneo defensive line leads to another goal by Adamson. The Soaring Falcons take the lead 2-1. #UAAPFootball
As the second half progressed, offense from both sides remained stagnant, failing to capitalize on their set plays. Unforced fouls hampered Adamson’s defensive third, allowing the Blue Eagles multiple chances to answer back.
Ateneo’s chance would finally materialize in the 58th minute of the match, with Maquiling whipping in a free-kick off a foul from the opposition. An excellent set-piece by the Blue Eagles found J. Lopez sinking in an equalizer within the penalty box, 2-2.
[Second Half]
— Mookie Borja (@Mooks_TheGUIDON) March 30, 2023
58’ – GOAL
Jose Lopez pulls one back for the Blue Eagles! The game is tied once again, 2-2. #UAAPFootball
J. Lopez’s stellar performance was only beginning as another opportunity at the 66th minute saw the Blue Eagle heading in his second-straight goal, courtesy of Maquiling’s excellent ball, 3-2.
[Second Half]
— Mookie Borja (@Mooks_TheGUIDON) March 30, 2023
65’ – GOAL
Ateneo regains the lead thanks to another stellar goal by Jose Lopez. The AMFT lead 3-2. #UAAPFootball
At the 80th minute, Ateneo had another chance with Wilmer Lopez’s connection with Maquiling, but the pass was just a bit too strong as the ball was collected by Suarez. Another shot at the 88th minute by Gabriel Busuego nearly gave the Blue Eagles their fourth goal as his long-range effort went straight to the opposing keeper.
With neither side notching another goal, the AMFT secured their fourth win of the season, bolstering their Final Four bid.
Coming off an injury in the first round, J. Lopez shared how his recovery period strengthened him for today’s game. “Well, coming from the hospital was a tough time for me. Luckily, my healing process went well and I was able to go back on the pitch. This is my first full 90 minutes back, so it feels really good,” he shared.
“I’m more confident now in our team and we just need to keep working hard every game,” J. Lopez added.
The Blue Eagles will look to build on their winning momentum against the Far Eastern University Tamaraw Booters on Thursday, April 13, at 4:30 PM at the same venue.
