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| c/o UAAP |
Matches Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium
2 p.m. — Claret vs FEU-D
4:30 p.m. — DLSZ vs Ateneo
7 p.m. — Southridge vs UST
PICKING up where it left off, the UAAP Season 87 Boys’ High School Football Tournament resumes its second round Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City—this time with matches set to be broadcast on Pilipinas Live as the Final Four race intensifies.
League leaders Far Eastern University-Diliman (15 points) will look to inch closer to securing a semifinal spot when they kick off the second round against sixth-placed Claret School of Quezon City, which has yet to register a point this season. Their match is set for 2 p.m.
Meanwhile, fierce rivals De La Salle Zobel and Ateneo de Manila University will battle at 4:30 p.m., followed by the clash between PAREF Southridge and the University of Santo Tomas at 7 p.m.
Despite the wide gap between FEU-Diliman and Claret, Baby Tamaraws head coach Jake Morallo emphasized that his team still has plenty to improve on before even thinking about a 13th consecutive title. FEU and Claret last met on opening day, with the defending champions securing a dominant 6-0 victory.
“Siguro, we have to keep our focus during certain moments of the game,” said Morallo. “Right now, dalawa yung tinitignan natin every time maglalaro si FEU: sometimes the opponents will do a high press and sometimes a low press. Yan yung pinag-aaralan namin, kung paano kami maglaro depende sa opponent namin.”
La Salle Zobel, which edged Ateneo 1-0 in their first-round meeting last January 18, will aim for a repeat to solidify its Final Four aspirations. The Junior Archers currently sit in third place with 10 points and a plus-2 goal difference. Head coach Ayi Nii Aryee remains optimistic but expects more from his players.
“I think this performance looks better compared to last season,” said Aryee. “Last season also, we had a good performance, but this season is better: one loss with three wins and one draw. I think it’s something we need to be proud of, but we have to work more. We have to work more, because if we can really push more, we will be better than how we are doing right now.”
On the other hand, Ateneo head coach JP Merida was relieved to see his squad cap off a roller-coaster first round on a high note. The Blue Eagles, currently in fourth place with six points, gained momentum after a crucial 3-0 win over Southridge, their closest competitor in the standings.
“This win was very important sa amin to finish the first round because it’s really difficult to motivate the players and also the coaches coming from three losses,” said Merida.
“I think they’re very good three points to finish the first round with and, of course, we’re very happy with our players. They started really well all the way until the last minute added in the second half. Hopefully, it’s a good start coming to the second round.”
Wrapping up the day’s action, second-placed UST (10 points, plus-9 goal difference) will take on Southridge, with both teams eager to bounce back from first-round-ending defeats. The Junior Golden Booters and the Admirals are determined to return to winning ways at each other’s expense.
UST previously defeated Southridge 5-2 on opening day, but the Admirals are now better adjusted to UAAP competition and seek redemption.
“Gusto namin ma-improve for the second round is our defending since most of our opponents scored against us,” said UST assistant coach David Basa.
“Need ng boys ng full focus and concentration the whole game, especially sa defensive transitions. Also, we need to create and finish more chances in attack. In training, we teach the boys to find the best option for us to attack. Basically, we trust our players in their abilities—we just need the right adjustments lang to win more games.”
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