THE ATENEO Blue Eagles lost against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 1-2 on Saturday, March 5 at the McKinley Hill Stadium in Taguig City.

The Blue and White stuck with the starting lineup that propelled them to a victory against the National University on February 28. Compared to their opening day, the Katipunan-based squad featured four different defensive changes—done to shore up the Ateneo’s resistance. However, errors still continued to plague the blue booters, allowing two goals in the process.

In the 46th minute, AJ Pasion scored for UST. He took advantage of the Ateneo’s failure to clear the ball from their defensive third, slotting the ball into the bottom right corner.

In the 60th minute, Darwin Busmion was just as shocked as the crowd to have been wide-open five yards away from the goal as he doubled UST’s lead. He made no mistake dealing with the free kick and powered it past the Ateneo’s keeper, Ken James.

Lastly, the Blue Eagles were able to come up with a consolation goal. One minute into extra time, Lui Clavano won a penalty for the Blue and White after getting fouled in the box after going for a bicycle attempt on a ball crossed in from the right. It was there where Team Captain Mikko Mabanag coolly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner. Unfortunately for the Ateneo, it was too little, too late, as the referee blew the whistle two minutes after.

This loss puts the Blue Eagles at 2-0-4 with a zero point goal difference in the elimination round standings of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 78 Men’s Football tournament.

Their next game will be against the University of the East, 9:00 AM, Thursday, March 10 at the Moro Lorenzo Football Field in the Ateneo de Manila University.

https://storify.com/TheGUIDONSports/ateneo-held-in-check-by-ust-lose-1-2