THE ATENEO Men’s Football Team’s unbeaten start to the second round of matches in Season 81 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Men’s Football Tournament ended after a 2-1 defeat at the hands of the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, on Thursday, April 25, at the Far Eastern University (FEU) – Diliman football field.

The Blue Eagles looked to return to their blistering form after being held to a draw by the University of the Philippines before the Holy Week break, but goals from Growling Tigers Glen Ramos and AJ Pasion were enough to edge Ateneo, whose lone goal in the match was netted by Team Captain Julian Roxas.

Today’s result will leave a bitter taste in the Blue Eagles’ mouths as it meant ceding the top spot in the standings to FEU, who hold a one-point lead and a game in hand. Meanwhile, UST boosts their bid for a spot in the final round after leapfrogging the De La Salle University Green Archers to sit in fourth place.

The match got off to a cagey start with both sides trying to dictate the pace of the game. Roxas generated the first real scoring chance for either team in the 32nd minute. A shot rebounded off a UST defender, allowing him to swivel and shoot from around the penalty spot, but his effort was too tame to trouble Zaldy Abraham in goal.

Minutes later, Roxas found himself in another promising position to put Ateneo ahead but hit over the bar.

Just as the Blue Eagles looked to be on the front foot, UST’s Glen Ramos stole the game’s opener after converting a free-kick in the 43rd minute.

Now facing an uphill battle, Ateneo stormed out of halftime with energy and intent and found a lot of room on the wings to whip in crosses. In the 47th minute, Andoni Maniquis clipped a teasing cross into the box, only for Abraham to make a sprawling save to keep out a looping header.

Roxas, who spurned a couple of chances in the first half, brought Ateneo level in the 72nd minute. Jarvey Gayoso’s cross from the left was spilled by Abraham right in front of his goal. Roxas reacted well to come out for the scramble and stab the ball into the corner.

However, AJ Pasion made sure the Growling Tigers had the last say in the match, firing an excellent volley past Gavin Rosario just five minutes after Roxas equalized. The UST backline stayed resolute to see out the match for their fifth victory of the season.

The Blue Eagles return to action at 1:30 PM on Sunday, April 28, at the same venue against the last-placed University of the East Red Warriors in the final match of the second round.

Ateneo Starting XI: Rosario (GK); Poe, Rocha, Roque, Maniquis; Nacional, Mercado, Roxas (C), Herrera; Baña, Gayoso

UST Starting XI: Abraham (GK); Benecio, Villanueva, De Castro, Dimacali; Fuchigami, Gumban, Orale, Rivera; Ramos, Caoyonan

Substitutions:

53’ – Justin Dy on for Poe

64’ – Luca Alleje on for Baña

79’ – Jabez Setters on for Mercado