Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

ADMU

Herrera penalty earns Ateneo a point against UP in UAAP 82 Men’s Football


Without Jarvey Gayoso, Julian Roxas, and Jeremiah Rocha, defending champion Ateneo still found a way to escape defeat. 

The Blue Eagles earned a 1-1 draw to kickstart their title defense in the UAAP Season 82 Men’s Football Tournament against University of the Philippines, Thursday at Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

A clumsy tackle by UP defender Ray Sanciangco on Ateneo striker Luca Alleje inside the Fighting Maroons’ box provided light at the end of the tunnel for the Blue Eagles after they conceded a goal early in the second half. Midfielder Nino Herrera stepped up for Jay Pee Merida’s men, then converted the spot-kick in the 83rd minute.

“Of course, ang challenge for this [is] ano ‘yung magiging approach ng mga player ko? Can they step up talaga (kasi) marami nawala from last year?” said Ateneo coach Merida. “Nakikita ko ‘yung boys na they pushed themselves to give their best sa game na ‘yun.”

The result allows the two squads to commence their elimination round campaign with a point each.

Ateneo almost got all three points at the end of the game when Mark Nacional was through on goal. A magnificent last-ditch tackle from UP’s Marc Tobias, though, ensured that both schools ended up sharing the spoils.

All this came after the strong start from Anto Gonzales’ men.

Rookie winger Francis Tacardon had a dream debut in the collegiate league with his 56th minute strike. He evaded the tight marking from the Ateneo defenders, handing State U the lead after an impressive first half yielded no goals.

“I thought we dictated the game very well but we lacked movement upfront. We didn’t translate our possession into a lot of scoring opportunities,” said UP mentor Gonzales.

#ReadMore  10-man UE downs Adamson for first win in scuffle-marred duel

The two schools shall both return on the pitch on Sunday, March 8 at the same venue. Ateneo faces off against University of Santo Tomas at 1:30 PM. Meanwhile UP goes up against National University afterward at 6:30 PM.

Written By

Lorenzo's a frustrated author who knows a thing or two about Football and Basketball. Went all green from Ortigas to Taft. Supports Liverpool FC, FC Bayern Munich and the Alaska Aces


You May Also Like

Football

In the second round last season, University of the Philippines made its run toward the UAAP Men’s Football Final Four after missing the bus...

Football

Captain Macky Tobias scored twice in the second half to lead University of the Philippines to a commanding 4-1 victory over University of the...

Football

As freshman Joses Azur joined the rest of University of the Philippines for their cool down after their 2-0 win over De La Salle...

ADMU

A day after his 24th birthday, Leo Maquiling stayed composed to lead Ateneo de Manila University to a 3-1 victory over University of the...

DLSU

Joses Amadu Azur and Ramil Bation III scored late goals to propel University of the Philippines past De La Salle University with a 2-0...

ADMU

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines has announced the postponement of the games scheduled for Thursday, October 24, due to inclement weather brought...

ADMU

Ateneo de Manila University has kicked off the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament with a perfect record, winning its first five matches...

FEU

In an intense rematch of last season’s final, Theo Jico Libarnes delivered a dramatic equalizer for Far Eastern University, securing a 1-1 draw against...

Advertisement