THE ATENEO Men’s Football Team (AMFT) stumbled in their fixture against Kaya F.C. Elite U19/U23, 1-3, earlier this afternoon, May 23, at the Imus Stadium in Cavite.
Following this setback, the Blue Eagles’ qualification hopes no longer remain in their hands and will have to rely on the succeeding matches to determine their fate.
Still at fifth place in Group B, Ateneo remains at one point on the table with a -4 goal difference in the 2026 Ang Liga Men’s Open Cup.
With postseason implications for both sides, the match remained leveled for the majority of the opening stages of the match. Kaya’s aggressiveness on offense was closely nixed by the Blue Eagles’ stifling defense.
Despite an excellent save by Ateneo goalkeeper Alfonso Loja on a shot from the left flank by Keith Sy, the ensuing rebound went directly into the path of Kaya’s Julian Romero. The defender then easily slotted in the ball to draw first blood for Kaya, 0-1. From there, the Blue and White’s woes continued with an own goal as their deficit doubled, 0-2.
Looking to keep their qualification hopes alive, the Blue Eagles banked on their ever-reliable skipper Dov Cariño. The Atenean team captain soared in the opposing defense to revitalize Loyola Heights’ momentum with a well-timed goal to close the gap, 1-2.
Yet, even with Cariño’s continued efforts on the offensive end, Kaya’s academy squad further deepened Ateneo’s hole as Sy went from pillar to post, powering through a strike as the Blue Eagles went down 1-3 in the 86th minute.
With little time remaining following Kaya’s insurance goal, Ateneo eventually suffered their second defeat of the season as the final whistle blew, 1-3.
As of writing, the schedule and venue of the AMFT’s next Ang Liga match have yet to be announced.
Group B Standings — Points (GD):
- Kaya F.C. Academy Elite – 10 (+5)
- Malaya F.C. – 7 (+4)
- DLSU Green Booters – 7 (+4)
- UP Fighting Maroons Ikot – 3 (+1)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles – 1 (-4)
- Tuloy F.C. – 0 (-10)
