Ateneo overwhelms La Salle to advance to Final Four

MANILA, Philippines – Ateneo drew great performances from Dov Cariño and goalkeeper Artus Cesar to defeat La Salle 4-0 in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Soccer Tournament held at the UP Football Stadium on Thursday. They secured their first place in the final four.

Cariño scored two goals to lead the league in points with nine points, Cesar kept a clean sheet, and the Blue Eagles solidified their lead in the league with 24 points.

Article continues after this ad

“Of course, we need this win to secure the top four, but after all, the elimination of the UAAP Season 87 is not over yet, but there are still some games to play and we will perform more and improve more.” I’m looking forward to that. I’m very happy because we controlled the game from the start.” Sarr worked hard until the final whistle,” Ateneo coach JP Merida said.

Read: UAAP Football: UST beats FEU to take share of 3rd place

Joaquin Colo scored for Ateneo in the 16th minute and assisted on Fernando Rojas’ shot in the 87th minute.

Article continues after this ad

Cariño, who assisted on Coro’s opening goal, found the back of the net from Leo McQuillin’s cross in the 36th minute and scored in first-half stoppage time to give the Blue Eagles a 3-0 lead. He was substituted in the 74th minute as Ateneo took full control.

“Of course, I believe with Dov Cariño that is the way it was from the last game, but there have been a lot of changes in his position, so we need to take care of him. They have plans with him. I know some of the schools,” Merida said.

Cesar made some great saves in the second half to frustrate the Green Booters.

De La Salle remained in fifth place with 10 points, three behind University of Santo Tomas, who earlier played in a scoreless stalemate with Far Eastern University.

The Blue Eagles’ next game is Nov. 21 against the Tamaraws.

De La Salle will play against holder University of the Philippines on Sunday.