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.
[First Half]
— Luis Antonio Licas (@Luis_TheGUIDON) March 26, 2023
7' – Cariño's third attempt at a corner is unable to connect with Fernandez.
Ateneo 0 UP 0@TheGUIDONSports#UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/187trKA1iR
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.
[First Half]
— Luis Antonio Licas (@Luis_TheGUIDON) March 26, 2023
22' – Great save by Cezar as he denies Alleje at the goal!
Ateneo 0 UP 0#UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/sHHcCdAe5Q
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.
[First Half]
— Luis Antonio Licas (@Luis_TheGUIDON) March 26, 2023
29' – Excellent offensive sequence for Maquiling as he dissects the defense of UP!
Ateneo 0 UP 0#UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/i0uWrst8Rx
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.
[First Half]
— Luis Antonio Licas (@Luis_TheGUIDON) March 26, 2023
45' – An excellent display of footwork following Cariño's through ball results in UP forcing a foul, which the officials call a yellow card on.
Ateneo 0 UP 0#UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/ULo8UwL5cX
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.
[Second Half]
— Luis Antonio Licas (@Luis_TheGUIDON) March 26, 2023
57' – Lucindo comes up clutch to direct Tacardon's shot away.
Ateneo 0 UP 0#UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/Wv4dGMgO0u
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.
[Second Half]
— Luis Antonio Licas (@Luis_TheGUIDON) March 26, 2023
60' – Another chance for Ateneo as Lopez's pass to Agyei results in a shot that goes wide left.
Ateneo 0 UP 0#UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/UYyEk70scm
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.
[Second Half]
— Luis Antonio Licas (@Luis_TheGUIDON) March 26, 2023
72' – Cezar adds on to his impressive outing with a crucial save.
Ateneo 0 UP 0#UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/ww80Hgn1Ib
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.
[Second Half]
— Luis Antonio Licas (@Luis_TheGUIDON) March 26, 2023
77' – Cezar skies high to reject UP's attempt!
Ateneo 0 UP 0#UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/YDWsrP7YEv
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.
