UAAP: Adamson shocks UP, ends first round on top

MANILA — Adamson University capped a sensational first round by stunning defending champion University of the Philippines, 2-1, in the UAAP Season 89 men’s football tournament on Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

After years of struggling, Adamson emerged as the team to beat in the tournament and ended the first round on top of the league table. 

Dany Golike and Marlon Dasig linked up twice to power the Soaring Falcons past the Fighting Maroons.

“It’s a dream come true for us as a program,” said head coach Darlton Digha, who guided Adamson to its best-ever start of five wins and a draw. 

“Everything we have worked for in the past four years has been for that. But like my players and I always tell you, the job is not done. This is just the first step,” he added.

After a goalless opening half, Dasig broke the deadlock in the 69th minute, connecting with a pass from Golike before firing a left-footed strike past UP goalkeeper Fonzy Gonzalez.

The Fighting Maroons responded almost immediately, with substitute Joses Azur tapping home the equalizer in the 72nd minute to bring the Fighting Maroons back on level terms.

But Adamson quickly restored its advantage.

Golike broke through down the left flank and delivered a cross to Dasig, who calmly finished to complete his brace and seal the victory for the Soaring Falcons.

The result lifted Adamson to 16 points — five clear of UP. 

The Fighting Maroons can still drop to third, depending on the result of the match between De La Salle University and University of Santo Tomas.