WITH THEIR previous clash against archrivals De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers ending in defeat after some last-minute heroics from the Taft-based squad, the Blue Eagles were able to avenge their first-round loss with a 1-0 victory, increasing their chances of attaining a Final Four slot in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 78 Men’s Football tournament.

Despite Team Captain Mikko Mabanag and midfield mainstay Michael Castillo being sidelined by bookings, the blue booters still managed to gain the victory after silencing the Green Archers with a goal from Jarvey Gayoso on Thursday, April 14 at the Moro Lorenzo Football Field inside the Ateneo de Manila University.

Lacking two offensive engines to fuel the Ateneo frontline, the Blue Eagles struggled throughout most of the first half; the Green Archers controlled most of the ball possession, with Jojo Borromeo and Greggy Yang supporting the DLSU attack from the midfield. However, center backs Jeremiah Rocha and Xavier Alcuaz were able to hold down the fort for the Blue and White, keeping DLSU forward Rigo Joseph at bay to ensure a clean sheet.

Yang nearly converted a neatly crafted set-piece seven minutes into the game, knocking in a header that hit the side netting. The Blue Eagles then retaliated with counterattack after counterattack, with Paolo Alilam, Carlo Liay, and Masyu Yoshioka sneaking in several attempts at the goal.

16 minutes into the game, the Ateneo midfield launched another onslaught that would put the team ahead, as Liay laced the ball down the right flank to the rookie Yoshioka, who then crossed the ball to an unmarked Gayoso. With all the time in the world, the forward wrong-footed DLSU goalkeeper Paeng de Guzman to find himself open in front of the goal, slotting the ball in to put the Eagles ahead.

The second half could not have been more different than the first, as Ateneo dictated the offensive rhythm and held more ball possession throughout. DLSU Team Captain Iñigo Gonzales entered the fray at the half–and Jose Montelibano subbed in 17 minutes later–to provide more firepower for the Green Archers, who employed a counterattacking strategy to get on the board. However, the Eagles’ central line managed to keep up the pace, with Julian Roxas and rookie Ged Poe bannering the midfield to hold up the team’s offensive game.

With forwards Lui Clavano and Emilio Acosta coming in later to serve as offensive ammunition, there was little the Archers could do to stop the Eagles’ aggressive attack. Liay, Roxas, and Alilam continually initiated plays that gave Gayoso space to punish the DLSU back line from the left flank, eventually proving to be the squad’s chink in the armor. Gayoso exploited the line’s defensive lapses, sending in perfectly weighted crosses in the 48th, 82nd, and 87th minutes—all of which, however, found receivers who failed to find the net.

Despite being a goal behind for most of the game, the Green Archers did not go down without a fight, as David Diamante led a valiant charge until the final whistle. But with the Ateneo defense standing as steady as its midfield was, the Taft-based squad was unable to convert, and not even some last-ditch attempts by Gonzales and Montelibano were enough to save the game at full time.

This crucial win in the Eagles’ second to the last game of the season pushes them one step up the ladder, landing them in third place in the standings and bringing the team closer to a shot at the semifinals.

Their final match of the elimination round will be against the National University Bulldogs, 5:30 PM, Sunday, April 17 at the McKinley Hill Stadium in Taguig City.

Gayoso, satisfied with his team’s performance, is confident about the upcoming game. “The defense put out after the goal was one to remember,” he said, “and when it comes to the team, it’s all heart from here.”

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