After facing an uphill battle in Season 86 capped off by a semifinal exit, the Ateneo Men’s Football Team (AMFT) now holds the rare chance for redemption in the same calendar year. This season preview will discuss the state of the Blue Eagles as they regroup to greet the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 with determined synergy.

IN THE post-pandemic era of collegiate football, the AMFT has retained its status as one of the best in the league. Thanks to Head Coach JP Merida’s defensive-centric system fulfilled by a talented roster, Ateneo has been on the cusp of championship glory in the last two years. However, the perennial contenders still seek to capture the ultimate UAAP football landmark—bringing a title back to Loyola Heights.

Last season, the Blue Eagles finished the first round with a promising 3-2-1 win-draw-loss standing, only losing to then-titleholders Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws. However, the second round proved to be a rough ride for Ateneo as they suffered yet another tough defeat to FEU which was followed by a stretch of consecutive losses. Despite these trials, the Blue and White managed to secure a final 5-3-4 win-draw-loss record, finishing the eliminations at fourth and clinching a hard-earned ticket to the Final Four.

Even with their determined efforts, the AMFT’s hopes of reclaiming championship glory in Season 86 were dashed after another heartbreaking postseason loss to the relentless Morayta-based squad in extra time. However, with the sting of past defeats behind them, the Blue Eagles are set to charge down the pitch with renewed determination this season.

Frontline focus 

Eury: As the kickoff of the new UAAP season approaches, the AMFT is on the brink of a significant and inevitable shift in their roster.

A dynamic catalyst central to the squad’s recent successes, superstar Kofi Agyei will be absent from the pitch this upcoming season. The Ghanaian powerhouse, who originally joined Ateneo with plans of enlisting in the men’s basketball program, quickly made his mark on the field with his exceptional goal-scoring abilities. His heroic interventions during crucial moments have also proven to be nothing short of transformative, giving the Blue Eagles enough leverage to soar through the ranks in the past two seasons. However, with circumstances taking a different course for the longstanding foreign student-athlete, the AMFT is called to recalibrate their strategies and navigate the challenges of filling the void left by the 6’5” star forward.

Fortunately, the return of Ateneo sensation Dov Cariño offers a much-needed boost, providing a glimmer of hope for the Blue and White. A bright talent in Philippine football, Cariño has undoubtedly established himself as a leading figure at both the collegiate and national levels.

Since joining the Eagles’ nest back in Season 85, the then 19-year-old midfielder has been a cornerstone to the Blue Eagles’ blueprint, proving instrumental to Ateneo’s second-place finish that season. Despite Cariño missing the team’s Finals stint due to being called up to the Philippines’ Men’s National Football Team, his standout performances have cemented his status as a strategic asset in the UAAP.

Cariño’s career on the national level has also shone just as brightly, affirming his exceptional talent on the international stage. Commencing his global journey at 18, Cariño made his debut for the Philippines’ Under-19 team in the ASEAN U-19 Championship in July 2022.

Amping up his experiences in the international scene, Cariño took the stage with his standout performance at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games. Supported by the Philippines’ Under-22 Team on the pitch, the left wing netted both his first international goal and the tricolor’s opening goal of the tournament, marking  a defining chapter in his career. The Blue Eagle’s momentum then further grew, after earning his first cap for the Philippines Under-23 team during the 2023 AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualification.

Having already built an impressive football resume at his young age, Cariño brings back a new level of skill and wealth of experience to the Blue Eagles’ nest. With his highly anticipated return home, the battle-tested forward must do what it takes to help shoulder the responsibilities left in the wake of Agyei’s absence.

New boots to be filled

Moss: The farewell of full-back Wilmer Lopez and Season 86 Team Captain Jose Lopez has certainly put into question this season’s defense. Despite a phenomenal forward lineup, how will the Blue Eagles approach their signature press with diminished fuel in the back line?

To respond to that question, the Ateneo supporters must heed one answer: The AMFT has nurtured depth like no other this season, recruiting experienced young guns on top of other Blue and White veterans.

Coach Merida’s selection features ball-winning rookies Javier Bengson and Marcus Arias, alongside offensive half-back Joaquin Collo to add fire to the high-press squad. With their presence, the Atenean unit can take off-ball and on-ball movement to game-winning heights.

Elevating the defense, full-back Bengson and defensive midfielder Arias unfold a future of shot-stopping plays and heroic tackles against the collegiate opposition. The tireless recruits who represented the Philippines in the AFC Under-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers will undoubtedly strengthen the towering company of goalkeeper Artuz Cezar and Jet Dela Cruz.

Meanwhile, hard-hitting midfielder Collo is a newcomer to be reckoned with, bagging the championship and Most Valuable Player award in the Philippine Football Federation Under-19 Boys Tournament. Like his fellow rookies, the recruit has Philippine youth team experience, but with a bag of tricks to supply the attack of Team Captain Leo Maquiling, Nico Matugas, and Cariño.

The Ateneo faithful need not to worry about the formidable posts graduating members left, as rookies uphold a testament to how the Blue Eagles remain a capable, championship-contending squad the Merida era has unceasingly sprung.

Core team takeoff 

Caitlin: Amid convincing new additions to the crew this year, the strength and soul of the AMFT still lie in their veteran core, with Maquiling at the helm.

The standout skipper was one of Ateneo’s most prized and decorated recruits back in 2020, coming from the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu football program. A two-time champion in his past mother league and a former national team youth member, Maquiling took his talents to Katipunan for his college career.

Since then, the former Magis Eagle has been the driving force of the AMFT, with masterful exhibitions in build-up and set piece scenarios. Last Season 86, his hyper-accurate throw-ins and aggressive playstyle resulted in four assists in the first round alone. Given this previous performance, Maquiling is the embodiment of utility, consistency, and sheer athleticism that Ateneo will continue to unleash in Season 87.

Supplementing Maquiling on defensive duties is center-back Dela Cruz, whose tenacious field coverage frustrates any foe who attempts to advance toward the box. Donning the Blue and White since his UAAP Juniors days, the stalwart brings with him an unmatched man-marking prowess that intends to impress the Ateneo faithful once again.

The Management Engineering student also proved to be valuable on offense, particularly highlighted by his brilliant long shot that secured the squad’s first win in Season 86 against the University of Santo Tomas. Reliable all season long, Dela Cruz has cemented himself as Loyola Heights’ premier defensive pillar.

Further up the pitch, Dela Cruz and the AMFT backline are emboldened by the presence of seasoned goalkeeper Cezar. The homegrown talent re-enters the fold bringing years of experience, having firmly established the goalpost as his domain. 

With a league-leading five clean sheets in Season 86, Cezar’s dauntless performance has been crucial to Ateneo’s morale, most notably in the final minutes of their first round win against their Katipunan rivals. Whether diving for a split-second save or commanding the box in set pieces, the ace keeper aims to ensure his steadfast concentration and agility will be on full display once more this season.

Additional reinforcements from fellow veteran defenders Fonzy Escobin and Rico Magno will undoubtedly bolster the three team leaders. For Maquiling and his batchmates, their quest to reclaim the UAAP football throne carries much deeper significance this season, as it marks their final year to do so. With their college careers approaching their pinnacle, fans of the Blue and White can expect the AMFT core to go full throttle as they look to finish what they started four years ago.

This week’s games: 

Sunday, September 15, 7:00 PM, vs. De La Salle University Green Booters at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City

Thursday, September 19, 4:30 PM, vs. Adamson University Soaring Falcons at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City