The Ateneo Men’s Football Team (AMFT) continued their University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 stint with an astounding 4-1 victory against the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Booters. Previously postponed due to poor weather conditions, the rescheduled matchup was held last night at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City.
The statement victory elevates the AMFT to a 2-0-0 win-draw-loss standing in the group stage of the UAAP Men’s Football Tournament.
Showcasing his veteran prowess, senior Jet Dela Cruz bagged a brace for the Blue and White after besting DLSU Keeper-captain Enrico Mangaoang. Meanwhile, Fonzy Escobin and Galen Fernandez followed suit with goals of their own to secure Ateneo’s second win of the season.
Resuming from the 13th minute of the previously abandoned bout, the rival teams ignited the pitch with defensive vigor. Battling for possession, veteran Ateneo keeper Artuz Cezar was challenged early on at the box, while midfielder Jethro Flores worked to formidably establish the Blue Eagles’ defense.
Flores continued his defensive masterclass midway through the first half to keep the La Salle offense at bay. On the attacking end, the Blue Eagles remained patient and meticulous for any openings, with Dov Cariño and Leo Maquiling eagerly waiting for DLSU to take the bait.
The Blue and White’s offensive approach resulted in a moment of unstable backline defense from the Taft-based squad, allowing the Ateneo to produce a good corner-kick opportunity despite failing to get a goal on the board. Ultimately, the tactical-themed first half concluded with no markers tallied by both units, 0-0.
With both teams eager to break the scoreless deadlock in the possession-heavy matchup, the Blue Eagles mounted an aggressive offensive resurgence at the onset of the second half.
In the 49th minute, a heated scuffle for possession resulted in a free kick for the Blue and White. Matteo Roxas precisely delivered the corner to Dela Cruz, with the latter soaring above the defense to draw first blood courtesy of a commanding header, 1-0.
However, the Green Booters wasted no time, with Luis Henares’ swift counterattack finding the net in the 51st minute to level the score at a 1-1 deadlock.
With the duel’s tempo and intensity hitting fever pitch, Dela Cruz restored calm for the Katipunan-based side, doubling his goal tally with a clinical finish just minutes after his first, 2-1.
In the 62nd minute, a well-orchestrated string of passes from Blue Eagle forwards Cariño and Maquiling set up Escobin, who rose high to deliver a thunderous header that padded Ateneo’s lead to 3-1.
In the following sequences, a desperate La Salle launched a barrage of attempts in the 68th, 73rd, and 74th minutes. However, Ateneo’s stifling backline stood firm, denying each effort as the Blue Eagles continued to ride their red-hot momentum.
Avoiding complacency, the Blue and White tightened their defense in the final stretch of the contest to protect their lead. While Ateneo’s defense clamped down, it was Fernandez who delivered the exclamation point with a precise strike in added time, capping off the Blue Eagles’ dominant 4-1 victory.
Reflecting on the Katipunan-based squad’s masterful performance, Co-captain Dela Cruz chose to look at the silver lining in the rivalry match’s postponement, sharing how it better readied the team.
“We thought that we’d be playing this game a bit earlier, so maybe it’s a blessing in disguise that we were able to prepare well for this match,” the stalwart said.
The Blue Eagles look to extend their winning streak when they face the Far Eastern University Tamaraws in a marquee showdown on Sunday, October 6, at 4:30 PM in the same venue.
Starting XI:
Ateneo (4): Cezar (GK). Maquiling (C), Cariño, Lim, Dela Cruz, Escobin, M. Roxas, Flores, Arias, Collo, Bengson
DLSU (1): Mangaong (GK), Castrillo, Abela, Labayen, Ditching, Andan L., Henares, Go, Tolimao,Vecin, Bacolod
Standings – Points (Goal Difference):
- FEU Tamaraws – 6 (+7)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles – 6 (+5)
- UE Red Warriors – 4 (-3)
- UP Fighting Maroons – 3 (+2)
- UST Golden Booters – 3 (0)
- DLSU Green Booters – 1 (-3)
- AdU Soaring Falcons – 0 (-8)
