CARRYING ON from where they left off last year, the Ateneo Blue Booters continued their wonderful run of form to end the first round, beating defending champions University of the Philippines (UP), 1-0, at the Moro Lorenzo Football Field on Sunday, January 13.
In a game that was played mostly in the midfield, both teams had golden opportunities to take all three points for the benefit of their standings. Ultimately, it was the home team that triumphed, thanks to a late goal–somewhat a trend for Ateneo football this season–by rookie Carlo Liay.
Ateneo had the first clear-cut opportunity of the match when Mikko Mabanag found space in between UP center backs Deo Segunial and Reymark Fernandez in the seventh minute. The former Ateneo High School standout placed a shot that beat goalkeeper Tyrone Caballes, but the ball cannoned off the frame of the goal.
UP had a chance of their own in the 27th minute when a UP player met a cross with powerful header, producing a save from skipper Yu Murayama who parried it out.
Both contingents also saw some of their chances go wide and over, as their defenses of both proved solid in the first 45 minutes, yielding the scoreboards scoreless at halftime.
At the restart, the Loyola Heights-based squad played with more purpose, launching two dangerous attacks within the first five minutes.
On the 53rd minute, Emman Paredes found himself on the right flank. The former PAREF Southridge captain twisted and turned his way past left-back Alfonso Ancheta, but his shot with his weaker left foot went straight to Caballes.
Seven minutes later, UP winger Mendoza found himself one-on-one with Murayama, but the latter came out on top with another highlights-worthy save.
Coach Anto Gonzales’ boys continued to pile on the pressure, but Murayama was on top form.
In a battle of two captains during the 64th minute, Segunial towered for a header, which looked like a certain goal, but Murayama was equal to it, tipping it over. The veteran keeper then saved the ensuing corner kick that looked dangerous.
At the 76th minute, Mendoza found himself free once more, but pressure from defender Cocoy Marcelino made UP number seven hit the side netting of the goal.
The Diliman-based squad almost scored in the 83rd minute, after Murayama once again dealt with the effort in spectacular fashion.
However, two minutes later, the defending champions were dealt with a hammer blow. Armand Gozali received a pass on the left flank, and then fed Carlo Liay with a pass. The Italian-raised playmaker took the UP defense on, launching an off-balanced shot, which curled into the bottom corner out of the reach of Caballes.
UP tried to level the game, but Ateneo was steadfast on the defensive end until the whistle blew to Ateneo’s fifth straight win.
The Blue and White continues to hold on to the first place position with 16 points on a 5-1-0 win-draw-loss record. Ateneo has yet to concede a goal this Season 75.
The second round of games for the Blue Booters are scheduled to begin on January 17, Thursday, at the Ocampo Field. As of press time, the time and opponent are yet to be announced.
