DOV CARIÑO’S brace lifted Ateneo de Manila University to its first win in UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament, edging University of the East, 2-1, on Thursday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
The national team player equalized for the Blue Eagles in the 66th minute despite a solid performance from Red Warriors goalkeeper Mhike Cimat.
Cariño then completed the comeback in the 78th minute, heading home off an Ateneo free kick to seal the victory.
‘It was a not-so-good start for us. In the first five minutes, we were really good, but after that UE controlled the ball; that’s why we conceded the goal at first,’ Ateneo head coach JP Merida said.
‘Coming from the second half a lot of adjustment was made, a lot of substitutions that why we scored the two goals. It was a very clinical finish from Dov,’ he added.
Despite the victory, Ateneo remained sixth in the standings with four points, level with Far Eastern University but behind on goal difference at -5.
The Blue Eagles will look to build on their momentum when they face FEU on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. at the same venue to close out the first round.
UE ended its first-round campaign with another defeat, extending its winless streak to 15 matches.
The Red Warriors remained at the bottom of the standings in seventh place with zero points and a -20 goal difference.
Mark Maghinay gave UE an early lead with an 11th-minute opener, raising hopes of ending the team’s winless run.
However, the Red Warriors were once again left disappointed as they failed to hold on to their advantage.