Not that it needs to be said, but Jarvey Gayoso is the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles’ key man as they aim to successfully defend their UAAP Men’s Football title.
The nephew of former national team player Alvin Ocampo scored for the eighth time in Season 80, to lead the Blue Eagles to a 1-0 victory over the National University Bulldogs, Thursday night at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
“Grabe and ganda ng approach ng NU,” said Ateneo coach Jay Pee Merida. “Talagang nag-set sila ng magandang tempo ngayon sa Ateneo kasi from their last two games nanalo sila. Unbelievable performance from NU. They played well. Binigyan nila kami ng problema especially sa first half.”
The Blue Eagles and Bulldogs fired blanks at each other throughout the game. Both schools were left to feed on scraps from each other, as the Ateneo and NU defenses continuously repelled each other’s attacks.
NU substitute Elmer Sampaga, Jr. had a clear cut chance for the Bulldogs nearly halfway through the second half, as he was unmarked, only for Ateneo goalkeeper Jae Arcilla to deny him with a really good save.
Arcilla’s save proved to be timely for Ateneo, as it provided the Blue Eagles the platform they needed to get the lead. Substitute midfielder Renko Gaudiel put striker Jarvey Gayoso through on goal. With Bulldogs goalkeeper Chris Perocho out of his box, Gayoso calmly directed the ball for the opener in the 78th minute.
“Yung scoring (ni Gayoso) from distance like thiry to forty yards especially kung mataas yung goalkeeper. Kaya niya i-handle yung accuracy… sa pre-season ganun yung strength niya even yung sa last friendly namin against Stallion Laguna. Ganun yung mga goal niya,” explained Merida.
The Bulldogs had a last-gasp free kick deep into stoppage time, but the Blue Eagles’ tight defense held on. In the end, Ateneo won their fourth straight game with a 1-0 result at NU’s expense. Ateneo rise to 1st place in the league table with 18 points, while NU drop to 5th place with 10 points.
Ateneo and NU shall next play on March 11 at the Far Eastern University-Diliman field. Ateneo will take on archrivals De La Salle University at 1:30 PM, while NU shall face the Adamson University afterwards at 3:30 PM.
