THE ATENEO Men’s Football Team (AMFT) suffered their first defeat in the 2026 Tuloy Invitational Cup after falling to the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 1-4. The match was held earlier today, July 18, at the Moro Lorenzo Football Field.

The Blue Eagles nearly opened the scoring in the 15th minute after a commendable buildup of play, but was eventually called for an offside infraction. Andrei Gonzales, however, broke the deadlock a minute later to give Ateneo a 1–0 lead.

Responding accordingly, UP’s Ramil Bation III found the equalizer in the 21st minute to level the match at 1-1. John Lloyd Amita then completed the turnaround 10 minutes later, giving the Fighting Maroons a 2-1 advantage. 

Ateneo pushed to level the match before the break, with former Ateneo Men’s Volleyball player Aimar Okeke hitting the post in the 34th minute and Gonzales firing wide moments later. The Blue Eagles continued to threaten UP’s box in the closing minutes, but the Fighting Maroons denied another attack before halftime to preserve their one-goal advantage.

In the second half, UP capitalized on Ateneo’s defensive lapses as rookie Joseph Garces found the back of the net twice to extend the Fighting Maroons’ advantage, 4–1. While the Blue Eagles continued to press on, their unsteady backline struggled to contain UP’s attacks, with much of the match unfolding through contested headers. 

Despite succumbing to their Katipunan rivals, Ateneo’s young squad continued to show promise. Incoming rookie Umi Abelarde impressed with agile footwork to create attacking opportunities, while veteran Dov Cariño also contributed with assists and goal attempts as the Blue Eagles searched for a way back into the match.

Ultimately, Ateneo’s efforts failed to shake UP’s resolute defense, highlighted by goalkeeper Eric Cachuela’s timely saves. Two fouls by Ateneo’s Caleb Santos and Mateo Lacson also interrupted the squad’s rhythm, allowing the Fighting Maroons to maintain their lead until the final whistle, 1-4. 

The AMFT will look to bounce back in their next match against the De La Salle University Green Booters on Saturday, July 25, at the same venue.

Starting XI:

ATENEO (1): Okeke, Roxas, Gonzales, Partosa, Lacson, Abelarde, Aljama, Wong, Santos, Santilices (C), Tansingco (GK)

UP (4): Almodal, Amita, Bation, Pormento, Basmayor, Comla, Caraig J., Meriño, Saludez, Azur, Cachuela (GK)