By: Nicole Parallag
Andrei Gonzales salvaged a point for Ateneo de Manila University, scoring a late equalizer as the Blue Eagles settled for a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Far Eastern University in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament on Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
The rookie out of James Madison High School in the UK came off the bench to level the match in the 76th minute, rescuing Ateneo after it fell behind by a goal early in the second half.
The draw snapped a two-game losing streak for the Blue Eagles and marked an improvement from their first-round encounter against FEU, where the Tamaraws prevailed 2-1 on October 25.
“Ang objective talaga namin was to get the three points, but then again, we played in the first half and dominated; going into the second half, we struggled,” said Blue Eagles coach JP Merida.
“We played really well, but meron talaga some points that we need to improve on,” the long-time mentor added.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Umi Abelarde broke the deadlock for the Blue Eagles, finding the back of the net in the 42nd minute.
However, the Tamaraws quickly turned the tables in the second half.
McJay Neniel struck the equalizer in the 63rd minute before Jeorby Anito handed FEU the lead just two minutes later.
With time running out, the Blue Eagles pushed for a late equalizer.
Joziah Rance got on the end of a setup from Dov Cariño, but his attempt sailed over the crossbar.
Gonzales eventually came to the rescue in the 76th minute, ensuring Ateneo walked away with a point.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“We had chances to score early in the game — several times — and we didn’t,” said Tamaraws coach Vince Santos. “So if you don’t take those chances, then the other team will have a chance to score, and that’s what happened to us.
“Each game that we drop points, we have less of a chance to be where we should be. From now moving forward, every game is a must-win,” he continued.
With both teams sharing the spoils, FEU remained in fifth place with nine points, while Ateneo stayed sixth with five points.
Both squads return to action this Thursday.
FEU takes on Adamson University at 4:30 p.m., while Ateneo seeks a crucial victory against the elimination-threatened University of the East in the 7:00 p.m. nightcap.
