After years of struggling to find its footing, Adamson University has emerged as the team to beat in the UAAP Season 89 collegiate men’s football tournament, closing out the first round on top of the standings with a hard-earned 2-1 victory over defending champion University of the Philippines on Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Dany Golike and Marlon Dasig linked up twice to power the Soaring Falcons past the Fighting Maroons, capping a historic opening-round campaign that has put Adamson firmly in control of the table.
The victory lifted Adamson to 16 points, five clear of UP, which could drop to third depending on the outcome of the clash between the De La Salle Green Booters and the UST Golden Booters.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“Well, I can say it’s a dream come true for us as a program,” said head coach Darlton Digha, who guided Adamson to its best-ever start of five wins and a draw. “Everything we have worked for in the past four years has been for that. But like my players and I always tell you, the job is not done. This is just the first step.”
Following a goalless opening half, Dasig broke the deadlock in the 69th minute. He connected with a pass from Golike before firing a left-footed strike past UP goalkeeper Fonzy Gonzalez.
The Fighting Maroons responded almost immediately, with substitute Joses Azur tapping home the equalizer in the 72nd minute to bring the Fighting Maroons back on level terms.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
But Adamson quickly restored its advantage. Golike broke through down the left flank and delivered a cross to Dasig, who calmly finished to complete his brace and seal the victory for the Soaring Falcons.
The result capped a remarkable first round for Adamson, whose rise to the top reflects years of hard work under Digha, both as a former player and as the team’s head coach.
“I’m giving back to the community,” said Digha, returning to the bench after missing Adamson’s matches against Far Eastern University and De La Salle University due to personal matters.
“Four years as a player, we were at the bottom; first three years as a coach, we struggled. I find myself just proud of this moment.”
