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UP hands Ateneo their first loss after seven matches courtesy of a Liam Lampayan goal in extra time

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Photo by: Dominic Porras

University of the Philippines dealt league-leading Ateneo de Manila University their first loss after seven games in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Football Tournament, thanks to a climactic stoppage-time goal by Liam Lampayan on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

Lampayan, a third year defender, capitalized on an assist by substitute Florenz Tacardon to fire a header that would successfully find the back of the net at the 90’+5 mark. His game-clinching goal would see the Fighting Maroons finally put a score on the board, eventually sealing their victory and solidifying their hold of third in the rankings with 16 points and a +9 goal differential.

“Honestly, it was just pure determination and adrenaline,” Lampayan stated in the post-game interview. “Binigay ko talaga ang lahat, just to sprint all the way there and make that header.”

Photo by: Dominic Porras

Both UP and Ateneo failed to break the deadlock early on, with key attempts such as back-to-back headers by Viggo Herce and Ramil Bation shortly before halftime going wide. Ateneo’s attempts were similarly unsuccessful, with captain Leo Maquiling sending a shot off-target early in the second half and midfielder Galen Fernandez also unable to find the back of the net.

Reinforcing UP’s defense against their Katipunan rivals was second-year goalkeeper Fonzy Gonzalez, who was hailed Man of the Match. Among other key saves, Gonzalez managed to keep what might have been a defining goal for the league-leaders at bay, denying a combined effort by Dov Cariño and Jethro Flores.

“I’m very honored [with] the fact that I was able to be Man of the Match against the undefeated team so far,” Gonzalez said in an interview. “Since we were able to give our all, we were able to beat them for the first time and give them their first loss of the season.”

Photo by: Dominic Porras

Ultimately, Lampayan’s goal would be enough for the Fighting Maroons to avenge their first round 0-2 loss against the Blue Eagles. UP maintains their position at third, behind Ateneo (21 points, +17 goal differential) and FEU (16 pts, +17 goal differential). 

They will seek to continue this winning form against the De La Salle University on Sunday, November 17, 2024, 4:00 PM at the UP Diliman Football Stadium. 

Ateneo de Manila University  will also face DLSU on Thursday, November 14, 2024, 6:30 PM at the same venue. 

This UP Fighting Maroons Club post is in partnership with Jiang Nan Hotpot.

 

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