WHAT STARTED out as a commendable first half performance for the Blue Booters was quickly erased within seven minutes—the amount of time between the two goals scored by the UST Growling Tigers in the second half.
After the final whistle, UST secured the win with a 0-2 score in their first meeting against Ateneo this Season 74, at the Ateneo High School Football Field 1 yesterday. Odds put the game in favor of UST—last year’s runner-up—over the Blue Booters, who are looking to prove themselves to the UAAP and to the Ateneo community as contenders this season.
The team from España looked to dominate the game early on. Led by OJ Clariño, UST’s resident scoring machine, the Tigers crossed into the Ateneo half numerous times, keeping the white and blue jerseys on the defensive. Two attempts by UST came barely 10 minutes into the match: one shot by Shinmar Felongco went over the crossbar and another by Christian De Juan was corralled by Ateneo keeper Joel Faustino.
True enough, the home team responded with energy and focus that allowed them to keep pace with the quick and talented players. Back four players, Francis Mendoza and the three rookies Cocoy Marcelino, Jico Noel and Mikel Alazas, displayed grit and tenacity once more by challenging every yellow shirt looking to beat the defensive line.
Near the 23rd minute, Ateneo obtained momentum as their defense not only stopped UST’s attempts, but gave them many offensive runs. A steal by Alazas sent the ball to co-captain James Arcos in the middle, who would facilitate a play for Emman Paredes and co-skipper Yu Murayama. Veteran Anton Amistoso and rookie Mikko Mabanag took part in these conversions as well. Four times did a defender gain possession and pass to a midfielder waiting in the center to run a play for wingmen. Ateneo’s offense had come to life and was firing on all cylinders.
But there was one problem: the Blue Booters could not finish. UST keeper Ramon Borigas effortlessly denied or caught every Ateneo attempt and the UST defensive line, composed of Nicanor Palacio, John Bolo, Ronald Batisla-Ong and Divino Regis, beat every white shirt that crossed into their half. The first half ended with both teams scoreless, but Ateneo was dominating and it looked like an upset win in the making.
UST, however, remained poised and came back in the second half to prove why they were last year’s second runner up. In the 53rd minute, an initial free kick by John Caballero was deflected by Faustino, but Fidel Kue was right in front of the goal for the open header before Faustino recovered for another deflection.
Immediately after, Ateneo seemed unfazed and bolted towards UST’s half and almost scored. From the corner, Mabanag crossed the ball over to Yu who headed the ball in, but Borigas tapped it away. The ball landed right in front of Amistoso a few feet away from the goal and he sent it flying to the UST goal—but again Borigas denied the attempt. Again, the ball landed right in front of Murayama, but Borigas fell to the ground and nabbed the ball before the former thought to kick it. After the game, Borigas would reply “chamba!” with a wide grin to his teammates and coaches who praised his defensive effort.
In the 60th minute, however, the big shock came. UST’s De Juan had snuck past the defense and was making a run for it. Faustino approached the ball and attempted to nab it from De Juan’s feet but the latter sent the ball flying to the net before the former got a piece of it. UST had scored again, 0-2.
Still, the home team looked to fight until the end. Yu, Arcos, Amistoso, and rookies Mabanag and Robin Medalle each had attempts that were either denied or beaten by UST. A run by Arcos and a Tuazon–Mabanag play ended with Ateneo players tripped; no fouls were called by the referee.
In the end, UST had prevailed.
Indeed, the growing pains continue for the Hail Mary Squad. Against UP, Ateneo’s offense struggled, while there were glimpses of it against UE. Today’s match was perhaps the best offensive showing by the Blue Booters, but another area of improvement for the men’s team was revealed. Ateneo has already shown ability to defend their half against tough teams, on the other hand.
After the game, Coach Jay Pee Merida expressed disappointment in the team’s inability to finish. “It was really frustrating for us, especially for Coach,” said Arcos. “Everything was there! Somehow we just could not finish and score; we have to work better at that.”
A glum Murayama also added “Those two goals [by UST] were a result of defensive errors. I also made mistakes in the finishing end.”
The Blue Booters will face the FEU Tamaraws next on January 26, Thursday, 3:00pm at the Ocampo Field.
