Lopez lifts Ateneo over UP in football
ATENEO set in motion its title-retention campaign with a 1-0 win over University of the Philippines in the “Katipunan derby” of the UAAP men’s football tournament yesterday before a good-sized crowd at the UP Football Field.
Wilmer Lopez scored the match’s goal off the assist from Kofi Agyei in the 21st minute that delighted the Blue Eagles faithful which patiently waited for three years to make a return to the pitch.
“We are very happy. Unbelievable. Sobrang saya. I’m very thankful for the Ateneo community,” said coach JP Merida.
The Fighting Maroons had several chances to level but the Blue Eagles turned to goalkeeper Artuz Cesar, who had several saves to deraile the home side.
Only skipper Colin Mercado was left from the champion team that won in 2019, the league’s most recent tournament, as Merida is keep on pushing his troops for Ateneo to achieve its goals.
