With majority of last year’s mainstays having graduated, the Ateneo booters used guile to create scoring opportunities against their rivals in opening their title-retention bid on a rousing a note.
Present during opening rites just before the games were Philippine Football Federation president Rene Adad and National Capital Region Football Association president Santiago Elizalde.
Southridge struggled past Don Bosco Mandaluyong, 2-1, and Don Bosco Makati crushed Philippine Christian University, 5-1, to join Ateneo as opening day winners in the Coke-sponsored event with Adidas as the official ball.
Striker Gino Tongson scored the icebreaker for Ateneo, eluding several La Salle defenders to slot in a 15-yard roller in front of the goal in the 26th minute in giving the defending champion a 1-0 halftime lead.
The La Salle boys were unable to exploit their size and height edge due to their rivals’ tight marking while tall but agile Ateneo goalie Martin Quimson was solid at the net.
Kevin Bentson booted in Ateneo‘s second goal in the 58th minute during a scramble inside the box then teammate Gerard Cancio virtually settled the issue six minutes later, chipping a 20-yarder just outside the penalty area.