THE ATENEO Men’s Football Team outlasted the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, 3-1, to elevate their spotless University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 record with a sixth win. The round one closer took place earlier this evening at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City.
After holding off the Red Warriors, the Blue and White now holds a firmer grip of the first seed with a 6-0-0 win-draw-loss standing in the group stage of the UAAP Men’s Football tournament.
For the Loyola Heights-based squad, Team Captain Leo Maquiling delivered a phenomenal offensive showcase with a brace from two successful penalties.
In the opening minutes of the first half, Coach JP Merida’s selection faced daunting goal-scoring chances from an aggressive UE side. After an alarming rate of possession-based plays from the Red Warriors, the Blue Eagle defense folded as the Recto-based unit secured a corner kick.
In the eighth minute, the Red Warriors capitalized on the set-piece with a powerful cross for Daniel Cabacungan to smash against Ateneo’s Artuz Cezar, opening the scoring in their favor, 1-0.
Holding their heads up high, Ateneo quickly answered UE’s tactics with fiery counter-attack sequences. Ten minutes after Cabacungan’s goal, Atenean rookie Javier Bengson dribbled into opposing territory to draw a penalty kick against the rough Red Warrior defense. Shortly after, Maquiling stepped up to the spot, tying the contest with a cheeky shot toward the side-netting, 1-1.
After scoring his first goal of Season 87, the captain showcased his class, once again capitalizing off another reckless play from the Red Warriors. With another foul in the eighteen-yard box, Maquiling delivered a finesse shot toward the upper 90 to put Ateneo ahead in the 41st minute, 2-1.
Minutes after the electric set-piece, Maquiling put in a resounding cross in UE territory that erupted a Red Warrior own-goal at the third minute of extra time, putting the Blue Eagles two goals ahead, 3-1.
With their scoring limited to penalty kicks and an own goal so far, the Blue and White stormed into the second half hungry to create opportunities on their own terms.
The final 45 minutes saw Ateneo capitalizing on UE’s errors, maintaining a compact defense that forced turnovers and limited the Red Warriors’ chances. In the 54th minute, Cezar made a crucial stop, deflecting a Red Warrior attempt from Edmar Adonis out into midfield. Just two minutes later, the Atenean goalkeeper was tested yet again as UE’s Jerome Abarca and John Magallon each fired close-range attempts, which he skillfully cleared.
As the Recto-based squad pushed forward, Ateneo’s steadfast defense stood firm against the mounting pressure. In the 65th minute, Jet Dela Cruz intercepted a UE advance near the box, while Mateo Lacson further solidified the backline with another strong clearance a minute after. Throughout the run, Lacson’s timing and precision proved critical again, cutting off UE’s crosses and keeping the pressure off Ateneo’s goal.
Meanwhile, Galen Fernandez controlled the midfield, skillfully maneuvering past defenders to set up his teammates. At the 68th minute, the standout midfielder made a bold push into the box, though the Red Warriors managed to block his attempt. Nonetheless, the Blue Eagles continued their offensive, with Dov Cariño charging into the box in the 78th minute, only to be dispossessed at the last moment.
As the clock wound down, Cezar caught UE’s set piece in the 87th minute, concluding an intense second half and completing Ateneo’s first-round sweep, 3-1.
Reflecting on the team’s last game of the first round, Maquiling emphasized the need for refinement with their plays moving forward. “We’re happy with all our games in the first round, but the game against UE, even though we won, there was so much for us to improve upon. But then [again], a win is a win,” the Man of the Match shared.
The Blue and White aim to continue their winning ways as they enter the second round of preliminaries following the midseason break. As of writing, the UAAP has yet to announce the schedule for the succeeding fixtures.
Starting XI:
Ateneo (3): Cezar (GK), Flores, Dela Cruz, Cariño, M. Roxas, Maquiling (C), Escobin, Lacson, Collo, Bengson, Fernandez
UE (1): Cloma (GK), Magallon, Tupaz, Ebbah, Hernan, Hermoso, Madrid, Abarca, Maghinay, Adonis, Cabacungan
Standings – Points (Goal Difference):
- ATENEO Blue Eagles – 18 (+12)
- FEU Tamaraws – 10 (+6)
- UP Fighting Maroons – 10 (+5)
- UST Golden Booters – 9 (0)
- DLSU Green Booters- 7 (-4)
- UE Red Warriors – 7 (-5)
- AdU Soaring Falcons – 0 (-14)
