Adamson University clinched its first victory in UAAP Season 88 Collegiate football tournament, routing University of the East, 3-0, on Thursday night at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite.
Cameroonian striker Golike Dany Doko opened the scoring in the 9th minute, followed by Carl Mahinay’s strike in the 41st to double the Soaring Falcons’ lead.
After missing several chances to extend their advantage, Roberto Roldan sealed the win in the 74th minute, ensuring Adamson claimed all three points.
UE had opportunities to respond in the second half, but Karl Festin and Jerome Abarca failed to convert.
The victory also marked goalkeeper Shane Salarda’s first clean sheet of the season.
‘Credit to them. The way they played, the energy they gave. They came out to win,’ Adamson coach Dalton Digha said. ‘I’m proud of them and I think they played their best game this season.’
UE, already missing head coach Frank Muescan and defenders Mark Maghinay and Christian Tio due to suspensions from last Sunday’s incident against Ateneo-which also led to a three-point deduction-faced another blow when Keith Hermoso was sent off in stoppage time for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Adamson, coming off a 2-2 draw with the University of Santo Tomas, will next face the University of the Philippines at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the UP Football Stadium.
UE, still at the bottom of the standings, will take on defending champion Far Eastern University at 4 p.m. the same day.
Agyei lifts Ateneo past UST
GHANA’s Kofi Agyei scored in both halves to lead Ateneo to a 2-1 win over University of Santo Tomas.
Agyei struck in the 29th minute off a long pass from Mateo Lacson, then added a second after halftime from a low cross by Dov Cariño. He now has four goals this season.
The win moved Ateneo to second place with six points and a +4 goal difference, ahead of La Salle (4 pts, 0 GD). Ateneo and La Salle face off Sunday at 4 p.m. at UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Coach Paul Madrona, filling in for suspended head coach JP Merida, said injuries forced the team to rely on remaining key players and seniors to guide the rookies.
Ateneo dominated early, with Cariño linking well with Agyei and Joziah Rance. UST nearly responded after Agyei’s second goal, but Chris Valderama’s shot was saved by Alfonso Loja.
Late in the match, UST earned a penalty. Archie Belluga’s initial shot was blocked, but he scored on the rebound.
UST, still searching for a win, faces defending champion FEU on Sunday at 6 p.m.
Merida was suspended for verbally lashing out at UAAP Commissioner Rely San Agustin during a heated incident in the match against the University of the East on Sunday.