UAAP: Late Fritz Chua goal lifts Adamson over Ateneo

MANILA — Fritz Chua struck late to lift Adamson University to a 2-1 triumph over Ateneo de Manila University in the UAAP Season 89 men’s football tournament on Thursday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

With the result, Adamson earned a share of the lead with six points, tied with De La Salle University.

After securing an opening-day win against the University of Santo Tomas last Sunday, Adamson improved to its best start since returning to the league in Season 77 (2015).

It was all thanks to a massive effort from rookie midfielder Chua, who made no mistake in drilling the decisive goal past Ateneo goalkeeper Alfonso Loja with just a minute remaining.

Adamson celebrates Fritz Chua’s go-ahead goal against Ateneo in the UAAP Season 89 men’s football tournament, October 8, 2026 at the UP Diliman Football Stadium. UAAP MediaThe goal broke a 1–1 deadlock that had stood for more than an hour after Keanno Guerrero equalized for Ateneo in the 19th minute with a lovely long-range strike.

Adamson captain Christian Ricario opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a vicious shot from inside the box.

“Last game, I mentioned resilience, so they are resilient,” said head coach Darlton Digha on the squad’s best start in 10 seasons. “They are like hungry dogs; they are always fighting.”

The Soaring Falcons will shoot for a third straight victory when they face the University of the East Red Warriors in the final match of Sunday’s triple-header at 7 p.m.

Ateneo faces an equally tough test earlier in the day at 4:30 p.m., taking on defending champion University of the Philippines as the Blue Eagles continue their search for their first points of the season.