Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

AdU

National U grabs first win in tricky affair with Adamson


Via two first half goals, the National University Bulldogs snatched their inaugural victory of UAAP Season 79, 2-1, against the budding Adamson University Soaring Falcons, Sunday evening at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

As a result, NU climb the standings to sixth with four points in the bag. Adamson, consequently, fall to seventh after registering three points in six games.

The first of the Bulldogs’ goals came seven minutes into the game. Patrick Valenzuela got on the end of Elmer Sampaga’s cross in a swift attack that caught the Adamson defense off-guard. It was the bright start NU needed after having failed to take the lead in any of their first four games.

An even battle ensued, with both teams going for a second goal, which would either allow Adamson back in the game or provide NU a two-goal cushion. Unsurprisingly, the Soaring Falcons hit the gas with Christian Melliza spearheading the attack. The returning player got a decent header that went off-target with 20 minutes left in the first half.

With the way the game was going, Adamson would have taken a 1-0 deficit heading to the break. But Sampaga had other ideas, though, as his magnificent effort five minutes before halftime doubled the Bulldogs’ lead. It remained that way when the referee blew the halftime whistle.

In the early moments of the second half, the trailing Adamson team were handed a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty in the 47th minute. Melliza did not waste the opportunity to pull one back for his team, making it an uncomfortable game for the Bulldogs.

#ReadMore  Caloy Garcia filled with regret: 'Sana maaga dumating si Rich Ross'

Having their lead trimmed looked a positive for NU, who controlled the remainder of the game. Unfortunately, they were unable to add to their advantage. At times, they were poised to make it 3-1, but poor finishing — particularly from Lawrence Colina — was the main reason the game ended 2-1.

Coach Jose Mari Aberasturi admitted to delight with the result but still sees plenty for his team to improve on. “Kulang pa rin. Marami pa dapat chances na na-convert pero hindi na-convert. Marami pang trabahuin talaga,” the new mentor admitted.

A problem he wants to work on is retaining his team’s focus in the second half. “Noong second half kasi sinabi sa kanila huwag mag-relax. Weakness kasi ng team nagre-relax after ng break. Tingin ko yung kulang sa team is yung focus sa laro kasi doon kami kinikuhanan ng kalaban,” he elaborated, citing that most of the goals they have conceded so far came from defensive lapses shortly after halftime.

The next challenge for Aberasturi’s players is a match against the De La Salle University Green Archers. They will see action this Thursday, March 2, 2PM at the Moro Lorenzo Football field in Ateneo. Before that game is Adamson’s bid to finish the first round on a high note. The Falcons will go up against the University of the East in the same day and venue with kickoff at 9AM.

Written By


You May Also Like

AdU

Far Eastern University subdued struggling Adamson University with a decisive 6-0 victory to kick off the second round of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate...

AdU

Ibrahim Tarin scored twice as De La Salle overcame Adamson, 4-2, to regain its winning form in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Football...

Football

Jan Patrick Baito’s second half-strike allowed University of Santo Tomas to edge past Adamson University 1-0 in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Football...

AdU

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...

AdU

By: Nicole Parallag Rookie Joseph Garces powered University of the Philippines to its first victory in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament,...

ADMU

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...

AdU

Edgar Aban Jr. enjoyed a dream start to his college football career, leading Far Eastern University to a dominant 3-0 victory over Adamson University...

ADMU

Due to the intense heat during the summer months, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines has decided to move its collegiate men’s and...

Advertisement