THE ATENEO Blue Booters drew against the Adamson University Falcons in the opening game of the Ang Liga Cup, 2-all, on Saturday, July 18, at the San Beda College Football Field in Mendiola, Manila.
A highly competitive game was to be expected, as both teams were looking to gain momentum heading into the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 78. Both squads opened up aggressively, leading to heated battles between the Eagles and Falcons players. Physicality was a common theme throughout the first couple of minutes, as several players were seen shoving one another to get possession of the ball.
Ateneo’s philosophy in the game was to play through their wings Emilio Acosta and Carlitos Mathay. It was through the tandem that the first breakthrough of the game came. In the 15th minute, a penalty was awarded to the Blue Booters after a handball violation from an Adamson defender. Emilio Acosta coolly slotted the ball into the left of the goal, narrowly beating the outstretched glove of the keeper.
Shortly afterwards, the Blue Booters nearly doubled their lead after a series of beautiful passes, but forward Lui Clavano was unable to convert, hitting the wrong side of the post. Unfortunately, the team was unable to regroup, as the Falcons pressed forward and scored after a long ball from their defense. The ball fell to their striker, Bless Jumo I, who faked a defender and blasted it into the goal to even the score up. At the end of the half, the score was even at 1-apiece.
After the break, the Blue Booters were determined to strike back at the Falcons. They were able to gain an advantage through an unlikely assist from their goalkeeper, JP Oracion in the 64th minute. Off a save, the goalie volleyed the football down the field to supersub Jarvey Gayoso, who beat his defender with his speed and chipped the ball over the helpless keeper to give the Blue Booters a 2-1 advantage.
Things were looking good for the football team as their fluid passing and composed defending helped them maintain their lead. But just when they thought they had the win in the bag, the opposing team scored a heartbreaking last gasp header goal on what was the last minute of the game. Falcons striker Bless Brian Jumo II emerged from the confusion inside the Blue Booters’ box and was able to score after losing his marker.
The draw puts the Blue Booters at 0-0-1 in the elimination round standings of the Ang Liga Cup.
Their next game will be against Far Eastern University at 10AM, Saturday, July 25 at the San Beda College Football Field in Mendiola, Manila.
UPDATED 06:35, July 19, 2015
