THE ATENEO Men’s Football Team (AMFT) opens the second round of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines Season 86 Men’s Football Tournament with a statement win against the University of the East (UE) Men’s Football Team, 3-0.
Today’s dominant victory took place earlier today at the University of the Philippines Diliman Football Field in Quezon City.
The first half opened with a quick goal from Andy Roxas after Kofi Agyei’s low-cross assist, giving the Blue Eagles the early lead in the second minute, 1-0.
Despite UE’s attempts to increase the intensity of their defense after the opening goal, the AMFT remained steady with their counterattack-oriented offense. These efforts resulted in another goal for Ateneo in the 17th minute after a free-kick goal from Leo Maquiling, 2-0.
With the opening half’s final minutes winding down, the Katipunan-based team did not hold back despite the comfortable lead. An Agyei-led offensive run resulted in a penalty kick chance for Ateneo late in the half. Ultimately, it was Maquiling who converted the opportunity, allowing for a solid 3-goal lead to close the half.
Prior to entering the game’s second stretch, the biggest story entering halftime was the Blue and White’s efficiency to score three goals on three shot attempts. Ateneo’s defense was another highlight, as they held UE scoreless despite the latter’s 10 shot attempts.
The second half saw similar pacing from both sides, with neither team slowing down their offense. In addition, efforts from Agyei, Maquiling, and Roxas persisted in the attacking third through multiple shot attempts. The final 10 minutes of the matchup saw the Blue and White practice a much more methodical pace, finally concluding the match with the score still at 3-0
Maquiling’s two goals, as well as his attempts at a hat-trick, allowed the midfielder to earn Man of the Match honors at the end.
The Blue Eagles look to carry over their momentum as they enter a marquee matchup against the Far Eastern University Tamaraws on Sunday, March 24, at 6:30 PM in the same venue.
Box scores:
Ateneo (3): Roxas ‘2, Maquiling ‘17 and ‘45
UE (0)
Ateneo Starting XI:
Artuz Cezar (GK)
Christian Santiciles
Wilmer Lopez
Jose Lopez
Fernando Roxas
Marco Salud
Jethro Flores
Luard Abaa
Kofi Agyei
Galen Fernandez
Leo Maquiling
Current Standings (points)
- FEU Tamaraws (15)
- UP Fighting Maroons (15)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles (14)
- DLSU Green Booters (9)
- UST Golden Booters (7)
- UE Red Warriors (3)
- AdU Soaring Falcons (2)
