WITH NOTHING but pride at stake, the Ateneo Men’s Football Team staged a 3-2 come-from-behind victory against Tuloy F.C. in their Ang Liga Men’s Open Cup fixture. Ateneo’s final game in the elimination round was held earlier today, June 7, at Circuit Makati Blue Pitch in the City of Makati.
With a brace from Dov Cariño and a goal from Jacob Lacson, Ateneo secured its first win in the tournament while improving their total tally to four points after the conclusion of the contest.
The first 44 minutes saw both teams unable to produce a goal amidst a back-and-forth exchange, 0-0. A scintillating run by Molina then unlocked the defense and sent Dov Cariño through on goal, as the forward calmly slotted the ball into the net in the 45th minute, 1-0
However, the Blue Eagles’ advantage was cut immediately as Tuloy F.C. responded with an equalizer in their first possession following the kickoff to force a deadlock at halftime, 1-1.
Denting their hopes for an elusive victory, the Blue and White conceded another goal in the 52nd minute as a good build-up play by Tuloy F.C. sent Ateneo into the back foot with a 1-2 disadvantage.
Despite being dealt a heavy blow, the Blue Eagles applied relentless pressure, which paid off as Jacob Lacson punished Tuloy’s defensive third in the 76th minute, 2-2.
Building on their momentum, the Blue Eagles’ comeback was completed in the 82nd minute when Cariño slotted his second goal of the match off yet another defensive lapse by Tuloy F.C. to give the Katipunan-based squad a 3-2 lead.
Undettered by Tuloy F.C efforts to end the match on a stalemate, the Atenean defense held firm, eventually giving them their first win of the tournament.
As it stands, AMFT sits at fifth in Group B with four points and a -4 goal differential, with their next match yet to be announced as of writing.
Group B Standings — Points (GD):
- Malaya F.C. – 11 (+5)
- Kaya F.C. Academy Elite – 10 (+5)
- DLSU Green Booters – 8 (+4)
- UP Fighting Maroons Ikot – 5 (+1)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles – 4 (-4)
- Tuloy F.C. – 0 (-13)
