THE ATENEO Men’s Football Team (AMFT) was unable to sustain their first half momentum and bowed down to the De La Salle University-B (DLSU-B) Green Booters, 1-2. The match was held earlier today at the De La Salle University Biñan Football Field in Laguna.
Following this loss, the Blue Eagles remain at second seed in Group B, falling to a 2-1 win-loss record in Ang Liga Season 18.
The Blue and White were up and gunning to start the first half, wasting no time in capturing their first goal. Striker Kofi Agyei dropped the ball off to Leo Maquiling, who curled into the DLSU keeper’s opposite corner to notch Ateneo’s first goal in the seventh minute.
[7th Minute]
— Luis Antonio Licas (@Luis_TheGUIDON) November 27, 2022
Leo Maquiling opens up the scoring with Ateneo's first goal!
Ateneo 1 DLSU-B 0@TheGUIDONSports#AngLiga pic.twitter.com/I7v5ZQOQsi
Gaining momentum from their opening goal, the AMFT controlled the remainder of the first half from both ends of the field. The offense stayed in Ateneo territory for the better part of the half, with the Blue Eagles opening up multiple chances to score. However, they were unable to capitalize on any of these offensive openings as the first half came to a close, 1-0.
Despite their brilliant opening half, the Katipunan-based squad struggled to begin the second half of play. The next couple of minutes were marred by physicality from both sides, including a scuffle that had to be broken up by the referees. The Green Booters would also deny Agyei’s shot at the 52nd minute, bringing back momentum to their side.
La Salle sent an equalizer at the 74th minute courtesy of an excellent free-kick by Mikio Umilin. His goal was soon followed by Franck Isaac Anoh at the 80th minute as the striker scored from outside the box to give DLSU the lead, 2-1.
As fatigue kicked in for the AMFT, they were unable to get the ball past the opposition to answer back, dropping their first game of the season. Meanwhile, the Green Booters secured their spot as number one in Group B.
The Blue Eagles will look to bounce back against Tuloy F.C. on Wednesday, November 30, at 8:00 AM at the Far Eastern University Diliman Football Field in Quezon City.
