THE ATENEO Men’s Football Team (AMFT) fell to the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Booters, 0-1, earlier tonight, April 23, at the University of the Philippines Diliman Football Pitch.
With this loss, the Blue Eagles remain at solo second with a 5-2-3 win-draw-loss record in the UAAP Season 85 Men’s Football Tournament.
The Golden Booters controlled the majority of the first half, capitalizing on the AMFT’s struggles in the mid-third of the field. UST’s Archie Belluga found an opening in the defense in the 15th minute, but his open shot went wide right.
Another opportunity at the 19th minute opened up for the España-based booters with a cross that was too powerful, giving the possession back to Ateneo.
At the 22nd minute, Blue Eagle left back Fonzy Escobin saw an opening off a broken set piece, but his long shot was picked up by UST keeper Jose Miguel Abada.
[First Half]
— Luis Antonio Licas (@Luis_TheGUIDON) April 23, 2023
22' – Ateneo is unable to capitalize on their set piece as Escobin's shot is corralled by Abada.
Ateneo 0 UST 0@TheGUIDONSports#UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/aeEhIsdhov
Ateneo proceeded to gain momentum from this chance, with goalkeeper Artuz Cezar coming up with back-to-back saves to open up his campaign for a clean sheet.
The AMFT’s golden opportunity would come in the 31st minute of the match, with Sky Guerrero’s attempt just going mere inches left of the goal.
[First Half]
— Luis Antonio Licas (@Luis_TheGUIDON) April 23, 2023
31' – Incredible chance for Ateneo, but UST's defense startles Guerrero's shot just enough to miss the mark.
Ateneo 0 UST 0@TheGUIDONSports#UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/l1hlw7f8fm
After multiple failed attempts from both sides, the Golden Booters would finally find themselves in the lead, 1-0, after an excellent shot by striker Daniel Nartey at the 36th minute.
[First Half]
— Luis Antonio Licas (@Luis_TheGUIDON) April 23, 2023
37' – Nartey gets past Cezar as UST draws first blood.
Ateneo 0 UST 1@TheGUIDONSports#UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/pucbZHexuj
Nartey’s shot attempt during the 45th minute would have put UST ahead by two, but the officials whistled an offside call before the striker powered the ball into the net, ending the first half in UST’s favor, 1-0.
After a dominant half by the Golden Booters, the AMFT switched gears and played with more vigor to open up the final 45 minutes. Their offensive control created multiple chances for the Blue and White, including attempts by wingers Fernando Roxas and Luard Abaa at the 66th and 70th minutes, respectively.
[Second Half]
— Luis Antonio Licas (@Luis_TheGUIDON) April 23, 2023
66' – F. Roxas' attempt from within the box goes off to the left.
Ateneo 0 UST 1#UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/JmOrBdXDo3
Cezar’s timely saves were also vital in the Blue Eagles’ search for an equalizer, swatting multiple UST attempts away in the early minutes of the second half.
However, the Katipunan-based squad simply could not find the back of the net despite their best efforts on both ends of the pitch. With their final chance coming at the 2nd minute of added time, BJ Cordero’s long ball was collected by UST’s Abada, while Team Captain Szymon Mercado’s header two minutes later came up short.
As the final whistle blew, the Blue Eagles sustained their third loss of the season. The Golden Booters are the only team to sweep Ateneo in their elimination matchups.
The Blue and White will look to finally clinch their spot in the Final Four in their next matchup against the University of the East Red Warriors on Thursday, April 27, at 4:30 PM at the same venue.
