Call it luck, call it destiny – whatever it is, the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons really know how to win a game right at the death.
In danger of losing their third game in the UAAP Season 81 Men’s Football Tournament, Anto Gonzales’ men scored twice in the last 10 minutes to prevail 2-1 over the Adamson University Soaring Falcons, Thursday afternoon at the FEU-Diliman turf.
“After the first round during our last game which we lost to Adamson, we just went back to the essentials. And what are the essentials? It’s really being selfless. It’s really playing for your teammates, it’s doing the extra sacrifice for the team,” said Gonzales.
Following a goalless first half, the Soaring Falcons gained the lead three minutes after halftime. Jesus Cayadong III turned the ball in from a set-piece after the Fighting Maroons failed to properly clear their lines.
State U relentlessly bombarded the Adamson goal in search of the leveler. The San Marcelino-based school were then pegged back in their own half. They eventually conceded nine minutes from time after UP skipper Kintaro Miyagi headed in Daniel Saavedra’s assist.
Fortunately for UP, the Fighting Maroons managed to find a late winner, just as they broke UE’s hearts in the first round.
In the sixth minute of stoppage time, John Abraham headed past Adamson goalie Carl Viray from his teammate JB Borlongan’s free kick.
When the full-time whistle sounded, the Fighting Maroons had exorcised their demons as they avenged their defeat by the Soaring Falcons in the first round.
The day’s early game saw the National University and University of the East play out a 0-0 draw. The result increases both schools’ standings by a point, with the Bulldogs now at 10 points and UE at 8.
Both schools shall next play on March 31, 2019, at FEU-Diliman. Adamson (8 points) confront the Ateneo de Manila University at 9:00 AM. Meanwhile, State U (10 points) face off against the De La Salle University at 3:30PM.
ADU XI: Bardaje, Beltran, Cayadong III, Feliciano, Jumo I, Ortinez, Pilarca, Rabino, Ramos Viray (C, GK)
UP XI: Abraham, Borlongan, Bugayong, Clarino, Facturanan, Magdato, Miyagi ©, Saavedra, Sanciangco, Togores, Yared (GK).
