THE ATENEO Men’s Football Team (AMFT) came away with a decisive victory over the University of Makati (UMak) Great Brave Herons, 2-0, and secured themselves a spot in the Ang Liga Season 18 semifinals. The match was held earlier today at the Far Eastern University Diliman (FEU) Football Field in Quezon City. 

The Blue and White entered the quarterfinals up and gunning, commanding the offensive side of play. A chance at the 19th minute came when Ateneo’s Sky Guerrero found Dov Cariño with a through ball, just narrowly missing the goal.

Another opportunity would come at the 35-minute mark when Luard Abaa’s shot from Wilmer Lopez hit the post and kept Ateneo on the hunt for their first goal.

A breakthrough would emerge at the 43rd minute when midfielder Leo Maquiling’s over-the-top through ball found striker Kofi Agyei to clinch the Blue Eagles’ first goal, 1-0.

The second half then saw the Katipunan-based squad hanging on to their slim lead, avoiding a repeat of their earlier match against De La Salle University (DLSU), when Ateneo gave up their early lead to DLSU in the second half. 

However, the Blue Eagles secured their lead with a strong effort on the defensive end, coupling together multiple chances to extend their advantage. Their offensive prowess paid off at the 89th minute, when Maquiling slotted in their second goal off a penalty shot, officially putting away the Herons, 2-0.

The Blue Eagles will face the Philippine Air Force Football Club (PAF FC) in the knockout semifinals match on Thursday, December 8, at 12:30 PM at the FEU Diliman Football Field.