By: Nicole Parallag
Jam Rey Mariveles had a birthday to remember, scoring a brace to lead University of the East to a commanding 3-0 victory over Adamson University in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament on Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Mariveles, who turned 23 today, broke the deadlock in the 21st minute with a stunning goal from outside the box.
John Bernard Magallon then cushioned UE’s lead with a header in the 79th minute, while Mariveles sealed the match with his second goal in the 84th minute.
Red Warriors head coach Frank Muescan was thrilled with Mariveles’ performance, saying, “Wow, I think nag-step up si Mariveles since it’s his birthday today. I observed him since I first started sa UE; nag re-reform siya. I know that this guy has a talent, but because of the kultura, nagbabago. Sabi ko sa kanya he has full potential, and that potential is contributing to the team.”
With this win, UE climbed to second in the standings with seven points and will look to build on this momentum when they face University of the Philippines this Sunday at 4 p.m.
After leading the Red Warriors to their second win of the season, Muescan expressed confidence in their chances of making the Final Four.
“So, this is a big boost for us. I told the boys if we lose to Adamson, it’s going to be a different story because people are hoping we could go to the top four. We made a statement that we are really pushing to be in the top four,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Soaring Falcons nearly equalized in the 75th minute, but John Sabualan’s free kick was blocked by the wall.
Adamson, now at the bottom of the standings with four losses and a minus-11 goal difference, will face University of Santo Tomas this Sunday at 6:30 p.m. on the same pitch.
