DOV Cariño scored twice as Ateneo stunned defending champion University of the Philippines with a 2-0 victory, taking the lead in the UAAP Season 87 collegiate men’s football tournament Thursday night at the UP Football Stadium.
With this win, the Blue Eagles brought down another finalist from Season 86, thanks to Cariño’s impressive performance, boosting Ateneo’s tally to 12 points.
“First, I’m happy because we got another three points, pero there’s a lot of improvements na kailangan pang gawin,” said coach JP Merida.
“Sometimes we’re good for five minutes, sometimes we’re not good for 10 minutes, so di siya consistent. But the hard work is there. The backline did its job to stop UP, but we need to stay consistent for the entire 45 minutes,” he continued.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Cariño opened the scoring in the 30th minute and secured Ateneo’s second goal in the 86th minute, bringing his total for the season to four.
He came close to a hat-trick during stoppage time but was denied by Fighting Maroons goalkeeper Fonsy Gonzalez.
“I’m expecting Dov to perform today. He’s a different type of player,” said Merida. “Me and my coaching staff are very happy with his performance, even during training. His motivation, his energy—it’s all there. He wants to prove himself to the team.”
UP remains tied with University of Santo Tomas for fifth place, both sitting at three points, though UP holds an advantage in goal difference.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The Fighting Maroons had a prime opportunity to equalize in the 42nd minute, but Ateneo goalkeeper Artuz Cezar made a crucial save on Joseph Garces’ header.
Earlier in the tournament, Ateneo defeated last season’s runner-up, Far Eastern University, 2-1.
UP also suffered a setback when Florenz Tacardon left the game early after injuring his left foot in a bad fall. He remained on the bench with crutches for the rest of the match.
The Blue Eagles will now enjoy a nine-day break before facing the University of Santo Tomas Golden Booters on October 20.
Meanwhile, the Fighting Maroons will face University of the East on Sunday. (JT)
