UAAP: Adamson scores breakthrough win against FEU

MANILA — Adamson University pulled off a 2-0 upset of Far Eastern University in the UAAP Season 89 men’s football tournament on Thursday — a breakthrough result for the Soaring Falcons that put them at the top of the table.

Christian Ricario atoned for a blunder late in the first half by scoring Adamson’s first goal, sending the Soaring Falcons on their way to their first win against the Tamaraws since returning to the league in Season 77 (2015).

Ricario found the go-ahead goal three minutes after the restart at the UP Diliman Football Stadium, stunning last season’s finalists.

The Adamson Soaring Falcons celebrate a goal against FEU in the UAAP Season 89 men’s football tournament, October 15, 2026 at the UP Diliman Football Stadium. UAAP MediaHe had committed a handball infraction just before halftime, giving the Tamaraws the chance to take the lead from the penalty spot. Fortunately for Adamson, goalkeeper CJ Lauron came to the rescue by blocking Karl Absalon’s spot kick.

The ensuing set piece was dealt with by the Adamson defense, and the teams went into the break nil-nil.

After Ricario’s opener, rookie Fritz Chua sealed the win for Adamson with a strike on the counterattack in the closing seconds.

“We focused most of all on defending their personnel,” said deputy Lemuel Unabia, who guided the Soaring Falcons while head coach Darlton Digha attended to personal matters.

“And then, we’re just lucky—we scored two goals against them. But our main objective is to defend against them, because we already know how strong FEU is,” he added.

With the victory, Adamson moved into solo first place with 12 points and a plus-seven goal difference. The Soaring Falcons will next face fellow unbeaten side De La Salle University on Sunday at 2 p.m.

The Tamaraws dropped their second straight match and remained at three points. They will play the University of the Philippines on Sunday at 7:00 p.m.