DESPITE A near-unplayable pitch and injuries to key players, the Ateneo Blue Eagles managed to defeat Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) in style, winning with a final score of 4-2.

The football field at San Beda was littered with murky brown puddles and sand patches due to a mild thunderstorm that happened in the morning. Both teams seemed to have a hard time adjusting to these playing conditions, as the bounce and speed of the ball were both greatly affected.

LPU forward Lucino Lansang took advantage of the Blue Eagles’ slow start by scoring through a header goal from a corner kick to take the lead at 1-0 at the 10-minute mark.

It took only 12 minutes after the first goal for the Eagles to answer back, scoring two goals within three minutes of one other. Star striker Jarvey Gayoso was instrumental in both goals, first powering a cross from winger Mashu Yoshioka into an empty net, and then chipping a pinpoint through ball from Koko Gaudiel over the opposing keeper.

The Eagles weren’t done there, however. On the 40th minute, Yoshioka rocketed a ball into the back of the net after some fine solo play from the right flank to enter the break with a score of 3-1.

On the 53rd minute, Yoshioka and Gaudiel combined to further widen the gap. Another punishing through ball from Yoshioka made it easy for Gaudiel, who calmly slotted the ball into the goal to take a commanding 4-1 lead for the Blue and White.

LPU attempted a comeback, scoring through a long shot from John Canieso on the 68th minute to shrink the lead to two goals.

Although the Eagles would calmly control the game the rest of the way, key players were knocked out of the game. Keeper Kenn James and scorer Jarvey Gayoso were both assisted off the pitch after picking up injuries during LPU’s run. The former got hit in the head by an LPU player while going after a 50-50 ball and the latter banged knees with an opposing defender.

This win puts the Blue Eagles at 1-1-1 in the elimination round standings of the Ang Liga Cup.