THE ATENEO Blue Booters drew with rivals De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Booters 0-0 in a tightly contested match on a hot Sunday afternoon on January 11 at the Moro Lorenzo Field in Ateneo, Katipunan.

The best chance of the game for the Blue Booters arguably fell to Emilio Acosta in the 43rd minute. Acosta had a one-on-one opportunity in the box against the DLSU goalkeeper. The striker attempted to power his shot past the keeper, but the ball was fired directly at Raphael De Guzman.

A substitution was made at the half by the Blue Booters as Koko Gaudiel was brought in for Julian Roxas. Ateneo used up all three of its substitutions, with Michael Castillo making way for Miel Soriano in the 64th minute to shore up the midfield and Rupert Bana replacing Emmanuel Paredes in the 84th minute to provide fresh attacking legs.

In the 50th minute, Gaudiel was open inside the DLSU box after he received a ground cross from Castillo, but the substitute’s attempt went over the goal. Despite this missed attempt, it was clear that Gaudiel made an impact on the game, as his passing plays in the midfield with Team Captain Mikko Mabanag in the second half were very fluid and crisp.

Late in the game, influential DLSU midfielder Hector Borromeo was stretchered off after a heavy collision, forcing him to be subbed off for Chuck Uy in the 89th minute.

Towards the end, the Ateneo defense stood its ground against the feisty Green Booters as they threw more players forward. The last kick of the match fell to DLSU striker Christian Zubiri, who was brought on for Inigo Gonzales in the 60th minute. The substitute steered his curling shot just outside the far post to allow the Blue Booters to keep a clean sheet and for the game to end as a draw.

The result of this clash means the Blue Booters stand at a 3-0-2 in the elimination round with a goal difference of +5.

Their next game will be against the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, 3PM, Thursday, January 15, at FEU-Diliman.