THE ATENEO Lady Booters lost their second round matchup with the De La Salle University Booters, 2-1, last February 19 at the Ateneo High School Football Field.
After conceding two goals in the first half, the Lady Booters were able to score a solitary goal in an effort to get back into the game.
The first half stung for the Loyola-based squad, as they found difficulty in dictating the flow of the game, something the Lady Booters have successfully done the entire season. A lack of finishing in the penalty box—a problem that has plagued the team the entire season—wrought difficulties for the ladies in blue yet again as chances came and went.
La Salle took advantage of those missed chances, finding the net on two occasions. The first goal was a blazing run from Cha Guancia, who sped past some of Ateneo’s midfielders and defenders, finishing with a chip over Angelica Tiu. The second resulted from a flurry of confusion due to a La Salle player who played offside, but only for another Lady Archer to play onside. The resulting shot then hit the bar but was followed up with a header care of substitute Cristina Viray. Both goals occurred in the final minutes of the first half, sending Ateneo into the break with a big blow to the team’s morale.
After a sermon from Head Coach Bob Manlulo, the second half proved to be a better one for Ateneo. The team’ passing was more fluid, and some significant changes were ushered in. Yvette Gaston, who usually plays on the wings, was moved to center back then Milka Romero reverted to striker. Also, Alicia dela Peña was subbed in, one change that had a notable impact in the game.
Towards the 70th minute mark, Ateneo’s attacks built up, which resulted in a penalty awarded for a La Salle handball inside the penalty area. Dela Peña then dispatched it into the bottom corner, out of the reach of the opposing goalkeeper, who read the shot correctly.
The Lady Booters then had several chances that could have put them level, but the finishing still left a lot to be desired. The final whistle blew as the players rued their missed chances.
Coach Manlulo, after the game, commented on the Lady Booters’ performance, saying, “We had all the scoring chances to make a goal, but unfortunately they didn’t convert. La Salle had a few chances but took them and scored. That’s it.” This further highlights Ateneo’s woes in the final third of the pitch, which has proven to be the Lady Booters’ missing link.
The Lady Booters are looking to end their season on a high in their last game on Wednesday, February 22 at the Ocampo Field, a replay of last week’s match against UST that was called off due to strong rains. Ateneo was up 1-0 at halftime but the result is now obsolete, as the teams will contest the game with a 0-0 score line.
