Dov Cariño’s brace lifted Ateneo de Manila University to its first win in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament, edging out the University of the East, 2–1, on Thursday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
The national team player equalized for the Blue Eagles in the 66th minute despite a solid performance from Red Warriors goalkeeper Mhike Cimat.
Cariño then completed the comeback in the 78th minute, heading home off an Ateneo free kick to seal the victory.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“It was a not-so-good start for us. In the first five minutes, we were really good, but after that UE controlled the ball; that’s why we conceded the goal at first,” shared JP Merida.
“Coming from the second half a lot of adjustment was made, a lot of substitutions that why we scored the two goals. It was a very clinical finish from Dov,” he added.
Despite the victory, Ateneo remained sixth in the standings with four points, level with Far Eastern University but behind on goal difference at -5.
The Blue Eagles will look to build on their momentum when they face FEU on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. at the same venue to close out the first round.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Meanwhile, UE ended its first-round campaign with another defeat, extending its winless streak to 15 matches.
The Red Warriors remained at the bottom of the standings in seventh place with zero points and a -20 goal difference.
Mark Maghinay gave UE an early lead with an 11th-minute opener, raising hopes of ending the team’s winless run.
However, the Red Warriors were once again left disappointed as they failed to hold on to their advantage. – TJ
