Despite staging a late comeback attempt, the Ateneo Men’s Football Team (AMFT) fell short against reigning champions Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, 2-4. The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 finals rematch took place earlier this evening at the University of the Philippines Diliman Football Field in Quezon City.
In spite of absorbing its first loss of the season, the AMFT stays on top of the table, garnering seven points through their first four fixtures.
Immediately after kickoff, the Blue Eagles tried to stamp their mark on the offensive side of the field as they earned an early chance off a throw-in near the FEU’s goal. However, Ateneo failed to convert this golden opportunity as the shot was denied by the Tamaraw defenders.
The AMFT’s attempts to dominate the early minutes of the first half were halted after an FEU breakaway resulted in Blue Eagle goalkeeper Artuz Cezar fouling the Tamaraws’ striker inside the box. This costly foul led to a penalty kick wherein Rey Martini converted for FEU, putting the Morayta-based squad in the driver’s seat at the five-minute mark, 1-0.
With the Blue Eagles scrambling to get back into the match, Ateneo’s first major chance for goal did not come into fruition as Kofi Agyei missed a point-blank header off a good Leo Maquiling cross. Nonetheless, the AMFT stayed aggressive as they finally scored the equalizer via captain Jose Lopez’s strike in the 19th minute to level things back up, 1-1.
As the momentum shifted to Loyola’s side of the pitch, the Tamaraws ramped up their defense. In this attempt to put pressure on Ateneo, an overaggressive tackle by FEU midfielder RJ Pescadera to Ateneo forward Luard Abaa led to a yellow card in the 36th minute. Shortly afterwards, the limping Abaa was substituted off for Anthony Uy to fortify the Blue and White’s attack.
Coming off the halftime break, FEU managed to capitalize on their recharged offense with a direct goal that Ateneo’s Cezar parried away. However, the ensuing scramble following the keeper’s save allowed the Tamaraws to cop another chance at a goal, with Karl Absalon finding the back of the net at the 49th minute, 2-1.
Although Ateneo maintained their aggression and found multiple chances within the box, the Blue Eagles surrendered to Sherwin Basindanan’s goal at the 69th minute, 1-3.
85 minutes in, Enrico Magno was given a yellow card that resulted in a penalty kick from Viejay Frigallano. Fortunately for Ateneo, the Tamaraw’s attempt skied above the crossbar with only Cezar in his way.
Shortly after, Kofi Agyei found himself all alone with Jetrick Fabrigas away from his post. The Ghanaian striker proceeded to slot a long ball to keep Ateneo in the game at the 86th minute, 2-3.
However, all hopes were dashed with McJay Neniel’s final goal at the seventh minute of added time to put Ateneo away, 2-4.
Incurring their only loss of the season, the Blue and White look to the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons on Sunday, March 10, at 6:30 PM at the same venue.
Starting XI:
Ateneo (2): Cezar, Flores, Santilices, Dela Cruz, Agyei, Maquiling, J. Lopez (C), W. Lopez, Abaa, Fernandez, Bautista
FEU (4): Fabrigas, Basindanan, Mamon, Absalon, Rey, Estores, Frigillano, Pescadera, Amira, Baylon, Alipoon
Current Table (Points)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles (7)
- DLSU Green Booters (7)
- UST Golden Booters (6)
- FEU Tamaraws (6)
- UP Fighting Maroons (6)
- UE Red Warriors (3)
- AdU Soaring Falcons (2)
