IN YET another affair under the pouring rain, the Ateneo Men’s Football Team (AMFT) opened their University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 campaign with a 3-1 victory against the Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons. The match-up was held earlier this evening at the University of the Philippines Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City.
With a remarkable outing, the AMFT solidified a 1-0-0 win-draw-loss standing in the group stage of the UAAP Men’s Football Tournament.
In what was a phenomenal season debut, Ateneo’s Dov Cariño put-up a high octane performance in the squad’s first completed match-up, bagging a brace and an assist for the Blue and White. Meanwhile, rookie Ryen Lim showed undaunted composure, scoring an upper 90 goal against Soaring Falcon goalkeeper Shane Salarda.
From the opening whistle, the boys in blue relied on midfield fuel to ignite offense in the first half. Following a lengthy period of ball possession, Team Captain Leo Maquiling summoned the AMFT’s first attempt with a volley that was blocked by the AdU backline.
Not letting up, the Katipunan-based squad sprung another attempt in the 27th minute, with winger Cariño delivering a resounding header. Charging the ball with unrelenting spirit, the speedster’s attempt to send the ball home was a few inches wide off the opposing woodwork.
Nonetheless, the Blue Eagle remained relentless on offense with timely sprints in the attacking third. With ten minutes left in the opening half, the U-22 Philippine representative received a low-driven pass from Matti Roxas, sending in a crisp finish to put Ateneo ahead, 1-0. The calm-and-collected attempt reaped Cariño’s debut goal for the UAAP competition, erupting a cacophony of cheers from the Blue Eagle side.
Hoping to pounce back, the San Marcelino-based unit finally got their opportunity against the Blue and White defense, being awarded a penalty kick in the closing minutes of the half. Capitalizing on the set piece, Adamson’s Marlon Dasig performed a driven ball past the mighty gloves of goalkeeper Artuz Cezar, sending the game to a 1-1 draw.
Unfazed by the Soaring Falcon’s equalizer, the Katipunan-based squad maintained their defensive dominance to greet the second half.
The Blue Eagles hustled to create a series of scoring opportunities from the 50th minute, with strikers Maquiling and Cariño consistently fueling the fire. While the duo worked for multiple close-call attempts, Ateneo defenders continued to keep ball possession, vigorously stifling the Soaring Falcons’ efforts to counterattack.
Soon after, their build-up bore fruit as Roxas set up Cariño from the corner, allowing the standout striker to nab his brace with a convincing header at the 66th minute, 2-1.
Playing with increased urgency and aggression, Adamson saw a chance to level the field after being granted a direct free kick at the 69th minute. Adamson midfielder Kelvenn’s Banagodos shot was astutely parried away and collected by veteran custodian Cezar.
Not long after, Cariño continued his impressive performance with a cross to midfielder Lim at the 84th minute, with the rookie cementing the victory for the Blue and White, 3-1.
After the thrilling contest under the gloomy skies of Diliman, Cariño shared his pleasant outlook for this season’s journey, and expressed elation for his memorable comeback performance.
“After missing a whole season, there’s a lot of pressure coming back. […] Scoring in my first game really helps my confidence and gives me a big boost,” Cariño reflected.
The Blue Eagles look to remain on the right track as they face the De La Salle University Green Booters on Thursday, October 3, at 7:00 PM in the same venue.
Starting XI:
Ateneo (3): Cezar (GK), Maquiling (C), Cariño, Lim, Dela Cruz, Escobin, M. Roxas, Flores, Arias, Collo, Bengson
AdU (1): Salarda (GK), Banagods, Dasig, Mahinay, Francisco, Casing, Napili, Doctora, Hayahay, Arañas, Pajenado
Standings – Points (Goal Difference):
- UE Red Warriors – 4 (+1)
- FEU Tamaraws – 3 (+3)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles – 3 (+2)
- DLSU Green Booters – 1 (0)
- UP Fighting Maroons – 0 (0)
- UST Golden Booters – 0 (-1)
- AdU Soaring Falcons – 0 (-5)
