UAAP Men's Football starts today, September 14, 2024

Matches today

(UP Diliman Football Stadium)

2 p.m. — FEU vs Adamson

4:30 p.m. — UST vs UE

7 p.m. — Ateneo vs DLSU

ARCHRIVALS Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University will headline the opening day of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament today (Sunday) at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City.

Kick-off is at 7 p.m.

In their last encounter in Season 86, both teams battled to an exciting 2-2 draw on May 2. 

That match saw the Blue Eagles clinch a spot in the Final Four at the expense of the Green Booters, thanks to goals from Fernando Roxas and Golden Boot awardee Kofi Agyei.

This season’s edition of the iconic rivalry comes unusually early, as it will be both schools' first game of Season 87. 

The tournament’s shift to the first semester adds to the significance, with Ateneo and La Salle eager to not only claim bragging rights but also kickstart their respective campaigns with a crucial win.

Ateneo head coach JP Merida, a seasoned mentor who has led his alma mater to championships in Seasons 75, 79, and 81, acknowledged the challenges his team faces due to limited preparation time. 

“It is very challenging because of the very short preparation,” Merida admitted. “But we cannot make that excuse. I'm confident that my players are ready to challenge again this Season 87. It will be a tough opening game, and there is no room for complacency because the moment you switch off, there is a chance we will go home with no points.”

On the other side, Green Booters head coach Alvin Ocampo emphasized that his team enters the season with humility, especially after losing key booters like Franck Anoh, John Paul Josheb Bengay, John Vincent Eduave, Ernesto Logarta III, Christian Peñalosa Pomeroy Veloso, and Mohammed Almohjili to graduation. 

“It promises to be a great game vs Ateneo as always. Our goal, of course, is to qualify for the Final Four,” Ocampo stated.

The season opener will feature a match between Season 86 finalist Far Eastern University and Adamson University at 2 p.m., followed by a clash between bronze medalist University of Santo Tomas and University of the East at 4:30 p.m.

Defending champion University of the Philippines will begin its title defense on Thursday against UST, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. on its home pitch.

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team