THE ATENEO Men’s Football Team (AMFT) bounced back in emphatic fashion with a decisive 3-0 victory over the Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons. The elimination bout in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 Men’s Football Tournament was held earlier this afternoon at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City.
Tonight’s result provisionally places the Blue and White at the fourth spot in the standings with 17 points and a goal difference of +2, awaiting the result of the final fixture of today’s gameday.
The Blue Eagles returned to form, outclassing the Soaring Falcons on both ends of the field. Ateneo had 21 shots to Adamson’s three, owing to the Blue and White’s stifling defense, while 12 of these were on target for the AMFT to their opponent’s zero.
For his efforts in controlling the pace of the Blue Eagle offense, Cebuano midfielder Leo Maquiling was named today’s Man of the Match.
Playing with a sense of urgency, the Katipunan-based squad limited Adamson’s offensive chances from the get-go with their defensive gambits. Additionally, having gained control of their side of the pitch, Ateneo came up with multiple scoring opportunities early on.
The first of these chances would materialize in the 12th minute with an early goal by Luard Abaa to set the tone for the rest of the match, 1-0. Following the opener, Andy Roxas would join the party soon after with a clean shot toward center from just outside the penalty box at the 26th minute, 2-0.
With a chance to increase his goal count for the season, Maquiling was given the opportunity with a 41st-minute penalty kick. Although his attempt was promptly collected by the keeper, the Blue Eagles capped off the half with a resounding 2-0 lead.
Already down in the match, the Ermita-based squad suffered a major blow in the 57th minute after Ruzzel Jose was handed a red card for profane language, forcing Adamson to play with ten men for the rest of the match.
Banking on their strength in numbers, Ghanaian striker Kofi Agyei shut the door on the Soaring Falcons by netting his eighth goal of the season at the 64th minute as Ateneo cruised to the win, 3-0.
With the AMFT in a position to fight for a semifinal berth next week, Head Coach JP Merida shared that he was more than pleased with how his men faced the task at hand today.
“I’m very happy with my players, because from the start, we controlled the game. We set the tempo all the way to finish the 45 minutes, that’s why we scored two goals,” the three-time champion coach said.
To further solidify their spot in the Final Four, the Blue Eagles will face the De La Salle University Green Booters on Thursday, May 2, 6:30 PM at the same venue.
Standings – Points (Goal Difference):
- FEU Tamaraws – 22 (+14)
- UP Fighting Maroons – 21 (+8)
- UST Golden Booters – 17 (+10)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles – 17 (+3)
- DLSU Green Booters – 15 (+5)
- UE Red Warriors – 4 (-19)
- AdU Soaring Falcons – 3 (-23)
