UAAP: Ateneo stays in Final 4 hunt after 9-goal demolition of UE

MANILA — Ateneo de Manila University stayed in contention for a Final 4 spot in the UAAP Season 89 men’s football tournament thanks to a 9-0 demolition of University of the East on Thursday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

Dov Cariño netted a hat-trick to power the Blue Eagles’ rout, opening the scoring in the 11th minute off a corner by Umi Abelarde. Seven minutes later, he beat several defenders before finding the back of the net to double Ateneo’s lead.

The 22-year-old midfielder then completed his hat-trick in the 65th minute, converting an Andrei Gonzales cross to make it 7-0. The goal also brought his season tally to a league-leading six.

Gonzales (51st minute and 90th minute+3) and Diego Angeles (36th and 59th) also shone for Ateneo, scoring braces.

Rookie Gio Gigataras struck in the 30th minute, while Mateo Lacson completed the scoring for the Blue Eagles in the 84th minute.

Ateneo now has eight points, with three matches remaining on its schedule — starting with a showdown against La Salle on Sunday.

“It’s a good motivation coming into the La Salle game. I know it’s a big war on Sunday, so we look forward to performing against La Salle. I know it’s a few chances for the top four, but we’re still hoping that this season will favor us,” Ateneo head coach JP Merida said.

Meanwhile, UE will face Adamson at 7 p.m. to close out another tripleheader. The Red Warriors remain winless and without a point this season.