By: Nicole Parallag
History was made as Adamson University secured a ticket to the UAAP Men’s Football Final Four for the first time since the program began in Season 77.
At the expense of perennial contender Far Eastern University, Adamson banked on goals from Jemar Andrade, Dany Golike, and Marlon Dasig to seal its place in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament semifinals with a 3-0 victory on Thursday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
The result moved the Soaring Falcons to 19 points — their highest tally in program history — and put them at the top of the standings with just four matches remaining.
“Well, you know, the loss against UP was a reminder that we’re still the underdog,” said head coach Darlton Digha. “We’re not a team at the top yet. So I think that loss was a reminder that we still need to work hard to get to our objective, and we did it in this match.”
Much like their 2-0 victory over the Tamaraws last October 15, the Soaring Falcons drew first blood, with Andrade breaking the deadlock in the 14th minute.
In the second half, Doko came close to doubling Adamson’s lead with attempts in the 58th and 79th minutes, but both sailed over the crossbar. His persistence eventually paid off, however, as he found the back of the net with a tap-in in the 87th minute.
Dasig, who assisted Golike’s goal, then added to the San Marcelino side’s tally in stoppage time to complete the rout.
“You know, we want to put ourselves in a very good position. We’re in the Final Four. I mean, the least we can do is make things easier for ourselves, right? What we have to do is grab the opportunity to finish at the top,” added Digha after the resounding win.
Adamson will look to build on this landmark result when it takes on University of the East this Sunday at 7 p.m. at the same venue.
Meanwhile, FEU rued its missed opportunities while trailing 1-0, as attacking midfielder Jeorby Anito and substitute striker Selwyn Mamon both came close to equalizing, only to hit the side netting with their respective attempts.
Still fifth in the standings with just nine points, the Tamaraws will look to secure their first win of the second round when they face defending champion University of the Philippines this Sunday at 2 p.m. at the latter’s home pitch.
