THE ATENEO Blue Eagles eked out a hard-fought draw against rivals De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Booters, 1-1, earlier today, January 15, at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City.
This draw puts the Blue Eagles at a 4-3-3 win-draw-loss record and a +7 goal differential, securing a definitive third place in the first day of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 Men’s Football Tournament continuation.
Leading the line for the Blue Eagles was striker Kofi Agyei who slotted in the lone goal for the Blue and White.
Welcoming a new year of competition, the Blue Eagles generated back-to-back chances for striker Agyei in the 6th and 8th minutes. Shortly after, however, Ateneo found themselves on the back foot as DLSU attacked on the counter, prompting a timely dive from midfielder Matteo Lacson.
In the 16th minute, the Blue Eagles found their best chance of the game when Kendrick Rance’s through ball connected with Team Captain Dov Cariño. The veteran skipper opted to pass to Agyei, but his attempts went wide, keeping the board level, 0-0.
After exchanging possession midway through the first half, Ateneo was caught out in transition in the 31st minute, as DLSU found forward James Sibla on the right flank, slotting in the first goal of the matchup, 0-1.
With momentum shifting to the Taft-based squad, the Blue Eagles struggled to contain the opposing offense, forcing a Kendryx Soriano goal line interception in the 35th minute.
Looking to even the scoreline before halftime, Lacson attempted a shot from the left side of the box in the 42nd minute. However, the young defender narrowly missed the back of the net after colliding with the right post.
The opening minutes of the second half remained largely uneventful, with neither side managing to break through.
Ending the silence in the 57th minute, Cariño sent an excellent pass to Aljama, whose direct shot on target was parried away by DLSU’s Jason Salavante. Failing to capitalize on their first chance of the half, the Blue Eagles were also unable to connect on the succeeding corner kick.
Quickly thereafter, another string of excellent opportunities within the box gave Ateneo momentum on the offensive end, highlighted by a near goal by Agyei in the 60th minute. However, goalie Salavante remained determined to keep the Blue Eagles scoreless, denying their attempt once again.
After a streak of sluggish possessions, the Blue Eagles finally broke through by the 78th minute. Following Ethan Roxas’ close attempt, Ateneo regrouped for another solid offensive sequence. Catching La Salle’s Salavante outside his post, Agyei coasted through off a Cariño touch and powered in a clean strike, securing the equalizer, 1-1.
With the blue gallery in a frenzy, Molina followed their surge up in the 83rd minute with a great attempt from way outside the box, with the ball just hitting the crossbar. As the Green Booters remained disconnected, the Blue Eagles continued attacking La Salle’s backline.
Not giving up a chance for three points on the board, Ateneo sought to find the separator in stoppage time. However, with an ensuing scramble in the box after a well-placed corner kick, the Blue Eagles came away from the sequence empty-handed. By the fourth minute of added time, DLSU found a chance of their own, with Ateneo averting a last-minute stunner.
With time winding down, the score read all even as the Blue and White settled for their third draw of the season.
Looking right ahead at their upcoming fixture, Head Coach JP Merida talked about their next opponents following tonight’s draw and emphasized the importance of needing a win throughout this final stretch.
“Advantage ‘yung [University of Santo Tomas (UST)], cause their first game’s on Sunday pa lang. We have 48 hours to recover, 72 hours until we play UST. We need to get the three points,” he shared.
The Blue Eagles will return for their penultimate match of the eliminations as they take on the UST Golden Booters on Sunday, January 18, at 4:30 PM in the same venue.
Starting XI:
Ateneo (1): Tansingco (GK), Santilices, Salud, Lacson, Cariño (C), Agyei, Aljama, Soriano, Santos, Bengson, Rance
DLSU (1): Salavante (GK), Estampador, Andan, Aguilar, Gaverza, Fronda, Reyes, Sibla, Bacolod, Ekberg, Labayen
Current Standings — Points (GD):
- UP Fighting Maroons — 25 (+13)
- FEU Tamaraws — 17 (+8)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles — 15 (+7)
- UST Golden Booters — 15 (+3)
- DLSU Green Booters — 10 (-1)
- AdU Soaring Falcons — 9 (-9)
- UE Red Warriors — 0 (-21)
