Defending champions Ateneo de Manila University staved off an upset attempt by winless Adamson University with a 3-2 squeaker in the second round of UAAP men’s football Thursday evening at the University of the Philippine Football Stadium.
Center back Anton Lopez the winning goals in the second half as the Blue Eagles flew to the number two spot of the standing with their fourth win on top of two draw and two losses for 14 points.
Ateneo drew first blood in the 18th minute as forward Fernando Roxas punched in a slow roll from team captain Colin Mercado in front of the goal.
The Soaring Falcons, inspired by a goalless draw last Sunday against powerhouse Far Eastern University, replied with two searing goals to scald the Blue Eagles.
In the 28th minute, midfielder Ruzzel Jose scored on a header that caromed from the top crossbar down behind the goal line.
Ten minutes later, Cameroonian midfielder Darlton Digha struck goal off a sensational right-wing rondo play as Adamson dominated Ateneo on the offensive end.
Ateneo then found an unlikely scorer as defender Lopez displayed his offensive mastery from set pieces, striking off a set piece from top right in the 58th minute and heading the winning goal in the 66th minute.
Winger Leo Maquiling delivered the pivotal inswings for the winning goals.
“Pag binigyan kami ng set pieces, we need to capitalize on those opportunities,” commented Ateneo head coach JP Merida after the game. “Very happy with Anton, from how many games of frustration coming from set pieces, today lang namin nakuha yung ganitong mga chances.”
The Blue Eagles will take a two-week breather and will next face current third placer and pre-season favorite Far Eastern University, whom they defeated in the first round.
