By: Nicole Parallag
Returning Dov Cariño marked his comeback to Ateneo de Manila University with a brace, powering the Blue Eagles to a 3-1 victory over the Adamson University Soaring Falcons, for their first win of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament on Thursday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Cariño was ineligible last season due to academic issues. However, he made an immediate impact in his return.
The 20-year-old midfielder broke the deadlock in the 36th minute with a well-placed strike, thanks to an assist from teammate Leo Maquiling.
The former Azkals Development Team standout extended Ateneo’s lead with another goal in the 66th minute, putting the Blue Eagles ahead of the Soaring Falcons.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Kung makikita natin si Dov, he’s very excited. During our preparation for this season, talagang kitang-kita yung excitement niya. He scored a lot of goals and palagi siya nandun sa action. Yun yung magandang nangyari,” said long-time Blue Eagles head coach JP Merida.
Ateneo further solidified its lead when Ryam Lim added an 84th-minute insurance goal.
The Blue Eagles then held firm defensively, securing all three points and beginning their season on a positive note.
“Of course, this is the objective, to get the first three points. I’m happy because my players played really well,” said Merida.
“We were ready for Adamson’s transitions. In the first half, we struggled, especially in the first 15 minutes when most of my players were erratic and panicking,” he added as Ateneo’s match against La Salle last Sunday was terminated due to inclement weather.
“Good thing in the second half, they regained their composure, and that’s why we scored two goals.”
Ateneo will face Far Eastern University in a rematch of last season’s semifinals on October 6 at 4:30 PM.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Adamson briefly leveled the score in first-half stoppage time, when Marlon Dasig converted a penalty kick.
However, the Soaring Falcons couldn’t find another goal in the second half, while goalkeeper Shane Selarda and the Adamson defense struggled to contain Ateneo’s attack.
Adamson, still winless in two outings, will look to turn things around in its next match against defending champion University of the Philippines on October 3 at 4:30 PM.
