UAAP: Maguad delivers late winner to lift UP over Ateneo

MANILA — Chelsea Maguad struck in the second half to power the University of the Philippines to a 2-1 win over Ateneo de Manila University in the second round of the UAAP Season 89 women’s football tournament on Wednesday. 

Maguad came off the bench to replace injured top scorer Erissa Rivas and capitalized on a defensive scramble to fire home the go-ahead goal in the 72nd minute.

UP celebrates after Chelsea Maguad scores the go-ahead goal against Ateneo in the UAAP Season 89 women’s football tournament, October 14, 2026 at the UP Diliman Football Stadium. UAAP MediaThe victory left the Fighting Maroons and the Blue Eagles tied at nine points apiece, with identical plus-two goal differences, in third place behind the De La Salle Lady Booters, who lead the standings with 13 points.

The result reversed their September 30 encounter, when Ateneo claimed a 2–1 victory behind Soleil Schroth’s brace.

“In that second half, they know what they can do eh. Mental ang problema; i-approach natin ‘yung game na gusto nating kunin ‘yung panalo,” said long-time head coach Anto Gonzalez.

Before Maguad’s winner, Bem Aranas broke through the offside trap and forced Ateneo goalkeeper Brielle Baca to rush out of her box.

Aranas then beat Baca with a rolling shot into the back of the net to level the score in the 65th minute.

Ateneo captain Kassandra Zalamea had given the Blue Eagles an early lead with a vicious strike directly from a corner kick, curling the ball past UP goalkeeper Ainnah De Guzman.

However, the Blue Eagles struggled to find another breakthrough in the second half.

Ateneo had a golden opportunity to restore its lead from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute, but Zalamea’s attempt struck the left post.

UP will aim for its fourth consecutive victory when it takes on National University at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 17. Ateneo, meanwhile, will look to bounce back against archrival De La Salle University later that day at 7 p.m.