Superb Ateneo narrowly won against valiant UST in match of the day

It took Jarvey Gayoso and Ateneo a late own goal to bag all three points.

By Earl Averilla

MANILA -- Ateneo kept their undefeated status as they see off UST in an amazing match that went on an unforgiving pace that provided excitement and flair for the spectators to enjoy Saturday night at the Rizal Memorial.

The first half of the game started off the gates. Fast paced, with many chances with only a goal missing. Both teams were running and gunning it from end to end with several opportunities thwarted by either the keeper or a defender. Ateneo came closest to scoring at the first minute of extra time in the half as Jordan Jarvis connected well with a header from a Jarvey Gayoso corner only for a UST defender to produce a crucial block ending the half with both teams goalless.

The second half started at the same pace, if not much more, as the game wore on the urgency became more palpable as if the match was running at 180 miles per hour. It was an end to end affair. A showcase of skill and intent was seen from both squads as towards the latter part of the game, Ateneo's superiority started to show as they were able to mount the greater pressure towards UST. Though the boys from España defended stoutly and tried with all their might to spring with their own attack, it just wasn’t enough to maintain at the same level as the Blue Eagles.

The 82nd minute proved to be the turning point as ADMU registered a goal in a manner that was cruel for UST as the ball crossed the goal line after it bounced off substitute Marvin Bricenio for an own goal. For the Katipunan-based squad, it was a lucky breakthrough, but a deserved one given the offensive approach that they showed. The lead could have been further increased with Gayoso and Jarvis coming very close on several occasions but either keeper Jose Zaldy Abraham was able to parry their shots or they just narrowly missed.

In the end, Ateneo kept their undefeated standing while UST will need to take motivation on this match in being able to keep up with the leaders for most of the game and bounce back on their next assignment.

Follow him on Twitter: @earlaverilla