National University-Nazareth School and season host Ateneo High School edged their respective opponents on opening day on Sunday of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 82 juniors football action at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
NU, last year’s losing finalists who is just in its third year in the league, opened its campaign with a thrilling 1-0 victory over De La Salle-Zobel.
Ateneo, on the other hand, secured its first win, 1-0, over University of Santo Tomas.
Reuben Liansing slotted a clearance off defender Deo Tano from their own half in the 48th-minute to put NU ahead.
Despite several chances from both sides, the score remained nil-nil at the end of the first period. But all that changed with a defensive stand from the Bullpups at the start of the second half.
Austin Basconcillo capitalized on a goal-mouth scramble and tapped the ball into the back of the net just four minutes into the final half.
The Junior Golden Booters almost plucked a late equalizer on a free kick in added time but RJ Jarandillo’s shot was parried by Ateneo keeper Artuz Cesar.
Reigning nine-time champion Far Eastern University takes on University of Santo Tomas on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m., while NU and Ateneo square off for the early lead at 4 p.m. in the same venue.