In line with the ongoing University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Women’s Football tournament, this quarterly series will analyze the state of the Ateneo Lady Eagles in their bid to claim their first championship.

Second Quarter Recap (February 14 to 24)

Despite a flying start to the season against Katipunan rivals University of the Philippines (UP), the Ateneo Women’s Football Team (AWFT) have struggled to replicate the goal-scoring feats in their third and fourth fixtures. The Lady Eagles have claimed a solitary point from an available six against Far Eastern University (FEU) and De La Salle University (DLSU).

Though the Blue and White dominated the clash against the Lady Tamaraws, they were unable to find a winner, with forward Martina Ferrer coming the closest with two consecutive one-on-one chances. The game ended in a stalemate, 0-0, but there were positives to take from the overall team performance.

The Lady Eagles were then afforded a fortnight to rest and prepare for a crucial clash against rivals DLSU in the final fixture of the first round. Ateneo had the earlier chances, but the Lady Archers grew into the game and eventually found an opener via an Alexi Arrieta penalty just before the stroke of halftime. The first half strike proved to be decisive as Ateneo succumbed to their second defeat of the season.

UAAP Standings

The loss to DLSU has affirmed a fourth place standing for the AWFT at the end of the first round. The Lady Archers lead the table with a goal difference of nine points, while the University of Santo Tomas (UST) are second but are level on total points with DLSU, settling for second seed with lower goal difference. The Lady Tamaraws sit at third with seven points, just above Ateneo with four points, followed by UP at the bottom of the table without any points.

Quarterly Takeaways

1. Goal-scoring drought

The Lady Eagles were in top form against UP, but their duel against UST indicated clear signs of impending offensive struggles. A brilliant free kick from forward Tessa Bernardo snagged a goal in a 1-2 defeat to the Tigresses, but failed to turn the tide against the run of play, with the Lady Eagles finding chances in the opposition third very seldomly.

While it is a forward’s job to take her chances and score goals, limited supply and support for forwards Bernardo and Martie Bautista left Ateneo without goals in two games. A look at the past three matches shows that Ateneo has lacked the necessary build-up play to send players up the pitch in support of their center forwards.

Midfielders Pam Diaz and Jolly Catedrilla are the spine of the team, operating as the crucial cover of the Ateneo defensive line and the instigators of attacks. While both have been performing exceptionally, the Lady Eagles oftentime look like they lack personnel in the center of the park, especially when both Diaz and Catedrilla make defensive runs back.

Most of Ateneo’s good chances stem from Bernardo’s brilliant play as a false-9 of sorts, where she occupies deeper positions to pick up and hold the ball, which in turn allows the central midfield duo to advance up the pitch and join attacks. The team will largely benefit from a more prominent extra presence in the center of the park, which begs the question of whether Bernardo or either of the two wingers in Nona Amoncio or Martina Ferrer will fill it.

By having a more advanced midfield presence to hold the ball and allow Diaz and Catedrilla to make attacking runs, the team can move up the pitch more effectively without having to gamble possession away with long balls to Bautista or Bernardo.

2. Left Wing choices

With rookie left winger Jill Panganiban sidelined indefinitely, the Lady Eagles have deployed both Rafi Javier and Martina Ferrer to patrol the left flank. Both wingers offer a unique style of play, with Javier boasting a more physical and aerial presence and Ferrer utilizing quicker pace and dribbling.

The two rookies gained extended runs on the team, growing in confidence on the pitch. Ferrer was afforded two starts and a game off the bench, while Javier had her first full debut against DLSU, coming on as a substitution twice prior.

It is relevant to note that Ferrer and Javier enjoyed good spells against DLSU. Javier wreaked havoc down the flank for the better part of the hour before coming off for a fresh Ferrer, who gave her exhausted opponents the run-around. This particular arrangement seems to be the most effective for the Lady Eagles and will likely prove useful in the upcoming games.

3. Defensive dominance

At this stage last year, the AWFT allowed nine goals compared to this season’s tally of four goals conceded in four matches, a telling statistic of how improved and organized this season’s defensive line is.

The new-look backline, composed of Pia Villaflor and Nicole Bugayong as fullbacks and Icee Calimbo and Cathy Cabrera as centerbacks, is adept at clearing the danger before it enters the penalty area. Calimbo often doubles at the sweeper role, given her impeccable timing and perfect reading of the game, while Cabrera acts as the last woman on the defense.

Considering their supporting and overlapping duties on either flank, Villaflor and Bugayong are, understandably, the more agile defenders. While they are encouraged to make some runs to support the offense, both fullbacks understand the priorities of their roles as defenders: To defend, first and foremost.

Ateneo’s defensive form will be a crucial factor in the second round given that the Lady Eagles need to close the gap with the higher-placed teams. If Head Coach Jaypee Merida chooses a more attack-oriented lineup to go for the win—which is now more than likely given Ateneo’s position in the table—the defensive line will have to remain resolute despite having less cover ahead of them.

Upcoming Match

The Lady Eagles will be put to the test against FEU in their second-round opener on Wednesday, February 28, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.