League-leaders Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles maintained their dominant form, finishing off the Adamson University Falcons, 7-1, Saturday evening at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
Head coach JP Merida was one happy mentor at the end the 90 minutes, but not much because of the win. “I am happy with result na nagawa lahat ng pinractice namin. The past few games hindi na naman ma-finish yung atake namin sa final third. [Ngayon,] ang gaganda ng mga deliveries talaga,” he said.
The Loyola side made their intentions known early with a swift goal. Wingback Jordan Jarvis found a free lane and shot the ball past Adamson goalkeeper Carl Viray just 30 seconds into the match.
Ateneo pressed for more chances before they settled down and held possession. The Falcons tried to attack with their few opportunities, but these failed to bother the rookie keeper Jae Arcilla.
The patient buildup from the Blue Eagles finally registered their second of the match. In the 40th minute, Micheal Castillo connected with Jarvis, who would not be denied, to double the advantage for the league’s top side.
As if the score line were not enough, sophomore sensation Jarvey Gayoso sent his seventh goal of the season into the back of the net, putting the result beyond doubt at the stroke of halftime.
In the second half, Ejike Ugwoke pulled one back for the San Marcelino squad after getting one in the 63rd minute.
Nonetheless, that goal would not shake up the Blue and White, and instead fueled the Katipunan side more; Ateneo scored again from their fantastic runs to the flank.
Jarvis completed his hat trick of the day with a vicious 73rd minute strike. Gayoso then registered a brace, seven minutes after.
Substitute Rupert Baña and Micheal Castillo, who dished out four assists, closed out the huge rout with goals at the 83rd and 87th minutes.
The semis-bound Ateneo Blue Eagles (29 pts) will battle with the resurgent University of the East Red Warriors (8 pts) on Thursday, April 6 at 4pm at the Ateneo Moro Lorenzo Field. Meanwhile, the Soaring Falcons (3 pts) will try to pull the rag off the Far Eastern University Tamaraws (19 pts) same day at 2pm.
