Ateneo XI earns twice-to-beat edge

MANILA, Philippines - Ateneo captured the twice-to-beat advantage in the final four after outlasting National University, 3-0, yesterday in the UAAP men’s football Season 75 at the Erenchun field inside the Ateneo campus.

Ateneo controlled the whole 90-minute contest as it executed well its defense and offense to finish the elims on top with 27 points on eight wins, three losses and a draw.

Ateneo could face anyone among University of the Philippines, Far Eastern University or De La Salle University in the Final Four.

Midfielder Valentino Calvo of Ateneo drilled in goals in the 28th and 51st minute before teammate Philip Gozali capped the match in the 57th.

NU ended its first year in UAAP football with two wins, nine losses and a draw for seven points for sixth.

UP,  meanwhile, spoiled La Salle’s twice-to-beat bid in the semis with a 2-1 win in the second match. Striker Gerardo Valmayor hit the game-winning goal in extension.

La Salle took the first goal behind Fedricco Rabaya in the sixth minute before Valmayor’s equalizer in the 36th. Valmayor, then, surprised La Salle’s goalkeeper with a quick kick inside the box in the 90+1 minute to carry the team to vcitory.

UP finished the elims with 25 points on eight wins, three losses and a draw, while La Salle’s streak ended at five for 24 points on eight wins and four losses.