Sports

ICYMI: Cezar shines for Ateneo despite draw with UP

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Published March 27, 2023 at 2:51 pm
Photo courtesy of the UAAP Season 85 Media Team

THE ATENEO Men’s Football Team (AMFT) kicked off their second round slate of games with a deadlock against the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 0-0. The match was held yesterday at the UP Diliman Football Field in Quezon City.

With this draw, the Blue Eagles remain at fourth place with a 3-2-2 win-draw-loss card in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 Men’s Football Tournament.

The AMFT came out of the gates by coupling together a string of offensive chances, including consecutive corners by Dov Cariño at the 7th minute of the match. However, the Fighting Maroons’ defensive wall overpowered the Blue Eagles and denied each connection.

Ateneo remained composed for the rest of the half, finding gaps in UP’s defense in order to create opportunities within the box. A powerful shot by Luard Abaa at the 18th minute nearly sent the opening goal for the Blue Eagles, but the ball was immediately corralled by UP goalkeeper Chevey Celeste.

On the other end of the field, Fighting Maroon Arturo Alleje nearly picked up a loose header, only to be denied a chance by AMFT goalie Artuz Cezar.

At the 29-minute mark, Leo Maquiling came up with an impressive display of footwork as he maneuvered past the defense from coast to coast, working his way around UP’s defenders. However, his cross was quickly cleared out by a header from the opposition.

Another excellent sequence came at the 45th minute, when Cariño made quick work of the Fighting Maroons, weaving through the defense and making it to the other end of the field. UP’s attempt at stopping the left-back resulted in a yellow card. However, the Blue Eagles were unable to convert on the resulting free-kick.

The second half of the match was characterized by Ateneo’s defensive gambits and much-needed saves by Cezar. Lorenzo Lucindo came up with a timely block at the 57th minute as he tipped away Francis Tacardon’s cross to Alleje.

Shortly after, the Blue Eagles saw an opportunity open up at the 60th minute with Wilmer Lopez spotting Kofi Agyei for an open attempt. Agyei’s shot missed the mark, leaving the match at a stalemate.

For the remainder of the match, Cezar stepped up for the AMFT as the stalwart keeper parried multiple attempts from the Fighting Maroons. Three crucial saves within the final fifteen minutes of the match denied the opposition any chance to escape with the victory.

Despite his timely efforts, Cezar’s saves were not enough as Ateneo failed to find the separator on offense to snatch the game from UP. Both sides were unable to convert on either side of the pitch for the rest of the half, ending the match in a draw, 0-0.

Cezar shared that although he’s satisfied with his performance, there’s still a lot of progress to be made moving forward. “I’m happy, at the same time parang kulang. Kasi we could’ve won this game and sobrang importante yung win for us sa lahat ng games namin sa second round. There’s a lot to improve on coming into our next game.” 

The Blue Eagles will hope to notch their first win of the second round as they take on the Adamson University Soaring Falcons on Thursday, March 30, at 2:00 PM at the same venue.


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