After a five-year wait, Adamson University finally secured its first win of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament, upsetting University of Santo Tomas 2-1 on Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Marlon Dasig, hailing from Dipolog City, put the Soaring Falcons ahead with a penalty in the 20th minute, awarded after UST’s Sam Alegre fouled in the box.
Adamson doubled its lead in the 36th minute when Roberto Roldan found the back of the net, giving the team a solid two-goal advantage going into halftime.
This victory marked Adamson’s first win in five years, with their last win coming on April 14, 2019, when they also defeated UST 1-0 in Season 81.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“All the credit goes to the players,” said Soaring Falcons head coach Darlton Digha.
“It’s not easy coming from losing eight games. We conceded 13 goals in two games in the second round and the players still had that fighting spirit to win today. That’s what I want from my players — to keep going even if we’re at the bottom,” the former Soaring Falcon added.
Despite holding a two-goal lead at the break, Adamson faced difficulties closing out the match, especially after defender KC Napili was sent off in the 71st minute.
Substitute John Paul Selarde pulled a goal back for UST in the 80th minute, but the Golden Booters were unable to complete their comeback.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Although Adamson remains at the bottom of the standings with just three points and a goal difference of minus-25, the win was a significant milestone for the Soaring Falcons after years of struggle.
Adamson will next face league leader Ateneo de Manila University this Thursday at 4 p.m. at the same venue.
In their first-round encounter, UST defeated Adamson 1-0 on October 14.
UST finished the weekend in fourth place with 12 points and will look to bounce back against Far Eastern University this Thursday at 4 p.m. at the same venue.
