THE ATENEO Blue Booters defeated with the Adamson Soaring Falcons, 2-1, on Sunday, February 8, at the Moro Lorenzo Field in Ateneo, Katipunan.

After a flurry of offensive advances, the Blue Booters were able to open up the scoring in the 27th minute courtesy of striker Emilio Acosta. Freshman left-back, Tim Perdigon danced past two defenders before lifting in the goal-assisting cross. Acosta was able to rise over his defender and get good power on his header as he directed the ball away from the Adamson goalkeeper to give Ateneo the lead 1-0.

The Blue Booters came close to conceeding a goal in the 35th minute as miscommunication between goalkeeper JP Oracion and center-back Cocoy Marcelino led to Adamson gaining possession inside the Ateneo box with Oracion far off his line. The Ateneo defense did well to clear the ball before the Falcons were able to attempt a shot on goal.

A substitution came in the 39th minute as Michael Castillo made way for Andoni Maniquis.

At the half, Ateneo held a 1-0 advantage over the visiting Falcons.

The Blue Booters then continued to pour on the offensive pressure. Their efforts once again paid off in the 51st minute through a goal by midfielder Koko Gaudiel. Acosta, this time, served as the assistman as his ground cross was latched onto by the goalscorer. Although Gaudiel’s initial shot was blocked, he was able to pounce on the rebound to double Ateneo’s lead, 2-0.

Gaudiel had three more chances in a span of 4 minutes after his goal, but both shots went well over the goal.

A double substituion was made in the 65th minute as Captain Mikko Mabanag and midfield maestro Carlo Liay were taken off for sophomore Miel Soriano and quick-footed Paolo Alilam.

Adamson was able to pull back a goal in the 81st minute. Brian Jumo fired a left-footed shot that beat Oracion and slotted in the right corner of the Ateneo goal, reducing the lead to a singular goal.

Despite Adamson stringing more passes together and bringing more players forward in attack, Ateneo was able to hold on to their lead and escape the game with a 2-1 win.

“The last 10 minutes, just one goal up, and the momentum was with them [Adamson Falcons], so it was really scary, but the team pulled through. We just got bodies back and defended well,” said Acosta as he reflected on the late game scare.

Adding to this, goalscorer Coco Gaudiel was also stretchered off in the 83rd minute after a collision with an Adamson player. He was replaced by rookie Rupert Bana.

This win brings the Blue Booters 3rd place in the table, with their record at 6-4-1. They now have a total of 22 points and hold a goal difference of +7.

Their next game will be against the FEU Tamaraws, 3pm, Thursday, February 15, 2015 in FEU-Diliman.

Updated on February 10, 2015 at 3:13 PM