After facing an uphill battle in Season 86 capped off by a semifinal exit, the Ateneo Men’s Football Team (AMFT) has shaken off any doubts with an immaculate record at the end of this season’s first round. These midseason takeaways will discuss the state of the Blue Eagles as they continue their fight for redemption in University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87.

THE ATENEO Blue Eagles have soared to dominate the pitch, sweeping through the first half of the season with an unblemished record. Entering the second cycle of games with a stellar +12 goal difference and 18 points, the Katipunan-based squad holds a commanding lead at their zenith.

The AMFT made a strong statement in their opening match against the Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons, netting three quick goals to seize control of the game. They continued their dominant streak in the following matches, notably trouncing the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws for the first time since Season 85, and solidifying their position at solo first in the standings.

Building on the momentum, the Blue Eagles delivered a commanding performance after dismantling the defending champions, the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons. They then capped off their perfect first-round campaign against the University of the East (UE) Warriors, highlighted by Team Captain Leo Maquiling’s maiden goals of the season. 

Eager to extend their impressive run, the AMFT stays determined to keep its winning formula intact and solidify its position at the forefront.

Midfield maestro

Eury: Dov Cariño’s return to the pitch has ignited a significant turnaround in Ateneo’s performance, propelling the team from last season’s fourth-place finishers to the top of the standings. Much of the Blue Eagles’ success this season can be attributed to the standout midfielder, whose exceptional presence on the field has been nothing short of instrumental.

Among the AMFT’s 15 goals, the 20-year-old has emerged as a standout force, contributing six strikes while finding the back of the net in four of their six matches. His six-goal tally transcends mere statistics, serving as a powerful testament to the Blue and White’s adaptability and tactical prowess on the pitch.

Cariño has also shown an impressive ability to identify and exploit gaps in various defensive formations, showcasing his remarkable contributions in maintaining the squad’s competitive edge throughout the first round. A prime example of this was his crucial equalizer against the FEU Tamaraws, which set the stage for midfielder Galen Fernandez to secure the victory. This ability to adapt and deliver in key moments solidifies the returning talent’s status as an invaluable asset to Ateneo.

Beyond individual accolades, Cariño’s scoring ability has also been a game-changer for the squad’s morale and offensive strategy. His steady contributions give the Blue Eagles a reliable focal point in attack, fitting seamlessly into the role that provides both guidance and stability in high-pressure situations.

Additionally, the virtuoso’s exceptional positioning and precise timing unlock opportunities for his teammates, allowing them to craft strategies that revolve around his dynamic presence. By tapping into his confidence and movements, the Blue Eagle has proven quick in effectively transforming potential into execution on the playing field.

Looking ahead to the second round, Cariño’s scoring streak may pose an intriguing challenge for rival teams, who may shift their defensive focus to limit his impact. This potential change in tactics could open up new opportunities and grant the Blue and White freedom to create chances and capitalize on the attention that the national athlete draws.

The Katipunan-based squad may also choose to adjust their strategies, leveraging Cariño’s remarkable form as a decoy to introduce new layers to their offense. This dynamic approach could allow the likes of Maquiling and rookie Joaquin Collo to shine and amplify the Blue Eagles’ offensive threats.

Nonetheless, Cariño’s stellar first-round performance has clearly established a solid foundation for Ateneo’s ambitions this season. As the Blue and White head into the second half, they carry their championship ambitions with renewed focus and resolve to secure the victor’s laurel.

Brazen back-line

Moss: For a team to establish itself as a championship-caliber squad, it is fundamental that they command both ends of the pitch. While this year’s bag of goals has spawned the idea that football is purely a game of scoring, the first round of Season 87 also witnessed the ability of the Coach JP Merida-led team to provide much more: becoming a beast on defense.

As fans lionize the Blue and White attack—thanks to the goal-laden run of Cariño—the AMFT full-backs have also showcased their ability to present crucial stops on the defensive third. However, with co-captains Artuz Cezar and Jet Dela Cruz commanding the backline, did the Atenean community harbor any doubt?

In the first round of the preliminaries, the star goalie has saved Ateneo countless times, tallying two clean sheets during their triumphs against UP and University of Santo Tomas (UST). Meanwhile, the former Kaya FC youth player has also patterned making crucial saves in the closing minutes, such as the 86th-minute free-kick against UE that he calmly contained.

Apart from Cezar, center-back Dela Cruz has maintained his status as a fear-monger to foes, persistently committing robust challenges throughout 90 minutes. In the stretch of the Blue Eagles’ game against UST, the stalwart produced a clutch slide tackle to stop the Golden Booters forward from an inside-the-box finish, keeping the score at 2-0. Dela Cruz also bullied their rivals from Taft in their 4-1 victory on top of securing a brace that emerged from set-pieces.

Besides these two, full-back Fonzy Escobin has also showcased his defensive mastery, exerting his ability to disrupt opposing plays while also being a menace down the attacking third. This season, the seasoned veteran whipped up a goal for himself against their moss-colored rivals, scoring a rocketing header under the bright lights of the Diliman pitch.

Thus, as perceived from the invincible AMFT, the brilliant performances in the back have played a role in the win-it-all narrative Coach Merida’s selection has convincingly materialized in the first round of the UAAP tournament. Jumping into the next round, I confidently predict that the Atenean squad will continue to ramp up their defense, designing a heap of shot-stopping theatrics on top of the goals.

Rookie firepower

Caleb: While key departures have shaken up the Atenean unit coming into the season, the Blue Eagle rookies have filled the void left by their graduates to complement this season’s veteran core. Living up to their illustrious stints in the youth ranks, the new recruits have brought a brand new flair and versatility to Coach Merida’s tactical gambits.

With six starts under his name, Collo has proven to be a steady force in the midfield. Primarily supplementing the veteran forwards’ endeavors upfront, the rookie’s positional acumen and in-game reads have diversified the Blue Eagle’s offensive options.

Recognizing exposed gaps in defensive rotations, Collo has dispatched efforts from long-range to keep opposing backlines in check. Against UST, the rookie’s scanning prowess was on full display as he bided for the perfect opening before scoring the decisive goal in the dwindling moments of the match.

Also shining into distinct prominence upfront is Ryen Lim, whose dazzling runs on the left flank have kept defenses at bay. Lim’s blazing speed and knack for creating chances within the box have made him a vital piece in the squad’s build-up plays throughout his four starts.

Boasting their firepower on both ends of the pitch are Marcus Arias and Javier Bengson. Both rookies have been instrumental in holding down the fort and controlling the tempo amid rapid counterattacks. While primarily manning the backline, Bengson has also shown his all-around play, carving openings in the attacking third and tallying two assists in the season thus far.

As the Blue Eagles look to preserve their pristine form coming into the second round, the rookies’ dynamic play will be indispensable pieces to the squad’s strategic ploys. The neophytes are bound to turn into full-fledged threats as the team bids for a deep Final Four run.

With the looming imposition of top teams like defending champions UP and perennial contenders FEU in the upcoming phase, tactical recalibrations are expected to be made to address the AMFT’s first-round concerns and accommodate other squad’s formational adjustments.

Regardless of whether Coach Merida opts to load up the flanks or anchor their attacks down the middle, the Blue Eagles will be just as lethal as their first-round campaign, given the rotational depth and versatility the young guns provide.

This week’s games:

Thursday, November 7, 4:00 PM vs Adamson University Soaring Falcons at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City

Sunday, November 11, 2:00 PM, vs. University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City