JOSE Lopez scored twice in the second half as Ateneo battled back from a goal down to beat Adamson University, 3-2, and move to solo second in the UAAP Season 85 men's football tournament at the UP Football Field Thursday.

The Soaring Falcons took a 2-1 lead at the break but could not find the target after the restart as the Blue Eagles were more aggressive.

And Lopez turned the tide around for Ateneo after the restart to gain the needed three points.

Blue Eagles coach JP Merida praised Lopez for his hard work during training.

UAAP Season 85 Men's Football Standings

DLSU 16 pts. (+2)
Ateneo 14 (1)
FEU 12 (+7)
UE 12 (+7)
UP 8 (+2)
UST 7 (-3)
AdU 1 (-16)

Matches Sunday:
(UP Football Field)
4:30 p.m. – AdU vs UST
6:30 p.m. – UE vs UP

 

"Sa play naming ginagawa, I saw him na siya ang talagang magso-score," said Merida. "I'm very happy for Anton (Lopez), from how many games na frustration, coming from set pieces, today lang nakuha ang ganitong mga chances."

Hiking its record to 14 points, Ateneo leapfrogged Far Eastern University and University of the East, which both have 12 points, and is now two behind De La Salle's league-best 16.

Fernando Roxas opened the scoring for the Blue Eagles in the 18th minute.

Adamson equalized in the 27th minute via Ruzzel Jose header and took the upper hand 12 minutes later on a strike by Cameroonian Darlton Digha.

The Soaring Falcons remained at the bottom of the table with a point to show.