University of the Philippines bested a tentative Ateneo side, 1-0, and grab a piece of third place in the UAAP Season 78 men’s football tournament at the Moro Lorenzo Field Thursday.
Rookie Kyle Magdato rebounded a Raphael Resuma miss in the 29th minute which turned out to be the winning moment for the Fighting Maroons.
Winning its second straight match, UP leveled with idle National University at seven points but the Diliman squad remained behind in goals.
Later, Bless Brian Jumo I nailed the 88th minute goal from an assist by his twin brother by Bless Brian Jumo II as Adamson University claimed its first three points of the season with a 1-0 squeaker over University of the East.
The Maroons were able to neutralize the Blue Eagles’ rookie sensation Jarvey Gayoso, who has already scored three goals in the tournament, as well as with their patented set pieces.
“We are aware of yung threat ni Gayoso. That’s why yung main focus namin in defense was to control their counter-attacks,” said UP coach Anto Gonzales.
“We are also a victim of their fantastic set plays in the past so we are very aware and prepared for it,” he added.
The Maroons missed national U19 players JB Borlongan and Christian Lapas for the second straight game but it hardly affected them.
“That’s the luxury that we have that we have a deep line-up. I think quality siya, that’s nice with our team,” said Gonzales.
Ateneo and Adamson are in joint sixth with three points apiece.