University of the East bounced back from its opening-day loss by scoring late twice to break Adamson University down 2-0 in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Football Tournament Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Eldrin Madrid broke the deadlock for the Red Warriors with a goal in the 72nd minute off an Edmar Adonis assist.
Forward Keith Hermoso then sealed full points for UE in the 77th minute from close range.
The Red Warriors rose to third place with three points and a plus-1 goal difference behind one win and one defeat.
This result marked the first win of UE under its new head coach Frank Muescan, who replaced Fitch Arboleda during the off-season.
“I think before, nag-a-adapt lang mga players no,” said Muescan, who led University of the Philippines to championships back in Seasons 71, 73, and 74. “This time, nag-re-respond na sila. Definitely, nag-a-adapt na sila sa concept ko.
“You can see the difference right now when we played: kontrolado yung tempo and then a lot of scoring chances na na-create. Hopefully, tuloy-tuloy siya,” he continued.
UE will try to build on this victory when it goes up against Ateneo de Manila University this Thursday at 3 p.m. on the same pitch.
On the other hand, Adamson fell to the bottom of the standings with one point after experiencing one draw and one loss.
The Soaring Falcons will face the DLSU Green Booters on March 7 at 4 p.m. at the same venue.
Adamson XI: Nalog (GK), Buenaobra (C), Jose, Arañas, Empleo Jr, Cueno, Napili, Francisco, Casing, Banagodos, Mahinay.
UE XI: Pamati-An (GK), Magallon, Palacio (C), Gatilao, Hermoso, Macaraig, Madrid, Abarca, Maghinay, Adonis, Modin.
