MANILA – University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons notched its first win in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 82 Men’s Football through a 1-0 escape versus the National University (NU) Bulldogs over at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium here.
UP displayed total dominance throughout the game but only found the separation in the 50th minute via Anton Guariña’s spectacular finish.
Guarina then had a big opportunity to score a brace for the Fighting Maroons but failed to hit the target. His teammate, Arturo Alleje, also found a chance to put the match safely to bed but was denied by NU’s goalkeeper Jhonrel Salintao.
“I thought in the first half, we really executed well. We delivered on the game plan. We created opportunities. We just didn’t finish,” said Fighting Maroons head coach Anto Gonzales.
The match resulted to UP now tallying four points in the football table, while coach Dan Padernal’s NU has yet to register a number this season.
Meanwhile, the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers defeated Adamson University Soaring Falcons despite facing an early setback, 2-1.
Sophomore winger Mikio Umilin scored the winning goal for the Green Archers in the 64th minute by intercepting the ball deep in the Adamson half.
Before that, it was in the 52nd minute when DLSU cancelled out Adamson’s opener. Rookie striker Franck Anoh rebounded John Rhey Lagura’s initial effort for the Green Archers to equalize.
The result was La Salle’s first win of the season with 4 points in two matches.
Adamson coach Joplong Brillantes, on the other hand, is still looking for his first victory after suffering narrow defeats in as many games./PN
