.JPG)
Leo Maquiling of Ateneo in action against Adamson in the UAAP Season 87 men's football tournament, November 7, 2024 at the UP Diliman Football Stadium. UAAP MediaMANILA -- Ateneo de Manila University extended its undefeated run to seven matches with a 7-1 demolition of Adamson University in the UAAP Season 87 men's football tournament, Thursday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Leo Maquiling became the first player to score a hat-trick this season as the Blue Eagles improved to 21 points at the top of the table.
"Of course, we are really happy we got the seventh three points. It's a good start in the second round, especially in the first half we didn't concede any goals," said Ateneo coach JP Merida after the rout.
Maquiling, capitalizing on the Falcons' mistimed clearance, opened the scoring for the Blue Eagles in the 22nd minute. Dov Cariño then assisted Maquiling's second goal a minute later, seeing the Ateneo captain left unmarked.
Maquiling completed his hat-trick in the 67th minute for a 5-0 Ateneo lead.
"Because of the last game of the first round, I think yun ang start kaya nakuha niya ulit ang motivation on how to finish, clinical in the first half," said coach JP Merida on Maquiling.
Galen Fernandez found the back of a Cariño cross in the 34th minute for a 3-0 Blue Eagles lead.
Cariño then facilitated Ateneo's fourth goal, as Fonzy Escobin delivered in stoppage time.
Substitute Fernando Roxas produced a 79th-minute screamer before Cariño put the match to bed by finally entering the scoresheet at added time.
Up next for Ateneo is a Katipunan derby with the defending champion University of the Philippines on Sunday.
The Falcons, who remained without a point, got an 82nd-minute consolation goal from John Omar Sabaulan.