After more than five years, Adamson University finally experienced the thrill of victory in UAAP men’s football.
The Soaring Falcons — winless in Seasons 85 and 86 — stunned the University of Santo Tomas Golden Booters last Sunday with a 2-1 win at the UP Diliman Football Stadium, putting an end to their extended losing streak and earning them three points in Season 87.
It was Adamson’s first win since April 14, 2019, when Rey Poncardas scored a 64th-minute goal that spoiled UST’s Final Four bid.
As referee Samuel Mendoza blew the final whistle, the entire Adamson bench erupted in celebration, relishing an achievement that had eluded them season after season.
“Yung sa game, sa first goal ko, ano lang tiwala lang ako,” shared Marlon Dasig, who opened the scoring for Adamson with a penalty in the 20th minute.
“Ganado na ganado ako. Binigay ko lang yung best ko. Tiwala ko lang na wag magdalawang isip at yun nakuha ko naman objective ko as a penalty kicker.
“Sabi nila, ano lang, five years or three years, it was history po kase. Matagal na kami talo. Maka-goal man kami, hindi naman panalo. Nabawi naman agad,” he added.
Adamson’s second goal came from Roberto Roldan, a 20-year-old Sports Science student, who found the back of the net in the 36th minute, solidifying their lead. Roldan credited the team’s camaraderie for their resilience against UST.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Ano lang po talaga, pagkakaunawaan lang po sa araw-araw,” Roldan said. “Araw-araw po talaga kami magkakasama, iisang dorm lang eh.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa Lord. Yun binigay na po namin lahat kase wala ng ano, bibigay na talaga namin lahat yun. Talagang goal namin kahit maka isa at panalo lang. Mag-enjoy lang (din).”
This victory was even more remarkable given that Adamson finished the match with just eight players on the field.
Defender KC Napili was sent off in the 71st minute, and two other Falcons had to exit due to injuries.
The last 10 minutes were tense as UST’s John Paul Selarde managed to pull a goal back in the 80th minute, but Adamson held on to secure the win.
Darlton Digha, celebrating his first victory as a UAAP coach, expressed his pride in the team’s performance and his hope that this win would lead to more success.
“It was a much-needed win, and I hope it paves the way for something better as we want to end this season on a high note,” Digha said.
“What you saw today is what we want to give: that positivity, that fighting spirit, showing that we are not just the underdogs. We’re not just there to represent Adamson. We’re here to show we can compete in this competition.”
