RECOVERING FROM a scoreless draw against the University of the East, the Ateneo Blue Booters stunned top team University of Santo Tomas (UST) with a last-minute goal to win the game, 1-0. This is the first victory of Ateneo against UST in football in recent years.
The sole goal was the highlight in a match that saw an aggressive Loyola squad all throughout. Ateneo mounted successive attempts from players Armand Gozali, Toffee Sumulong, Val Calvo, Eric Figueroa and Mikko Mabanag right from the opening whistle.
Pressure and increasing attempts pushed UST, but a lack in finishing from the Blue Booters kept the Growling Tigers secure.
UST had their fair share of ball possession and attempts, but nothing seemed to get past the defenses of Ateneo goal keeper Nick O’Donnell and defenders Enzo Bonoan, co-captain Miguel Tuazon, Luis Mendoza and Cocoy Marcelino.
At the 17-minute mark, Gozali struck what could have been Ateneo’s first goal, but the ball unfortunately hit the right side of the net. By the end of the first half, a goal was yet to be scored by both teams.
The second half saw Ateneo head coach JP Merida field in fresh legs in Emman Paredes, Emilio Pelaez, Jico Noel, Leandro Fabregas and Tomas Cruel for Sumulong, Bonoan, Mendoza and Figueroa.
Yellow cards were handed out and the game was physical, but the ultimate highlight occurred near the end of the 90th minute.
A last-minute interception by Cruel sent the ball rolling toward Mabanag, who in turn sent a long cross toward Carlo Liay. Liay delivered the killing blow with much composure as when he went head-to-head against the UST goalkeeper.
UST’s final play of the match scared the Ateneo spectators as the Yellow Booters launched a dangerously close header off a corner kick. Thankfully, the attempt went over the crossbar and the Blue and White side of the field celebrated the first win of the Blue Booters after the final whistle was blown.
This victory earns the Blue Booters their first three points for the season. A win merits three points; a draw gains only one point while a loss merits none.
Ateneo’s next game will be at 3:00 PM on Sunday, December 9, at the Moro Lorenzo football field (formerly known as the Erenchun field) against archrival De La Salle University.
