CECILE DEITA’s 47th minute screamer proved to be the difference as the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses took a 1-2 victory over the Ateneo Women’s Football Team (AWFT) in Season 81 of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Women’s Football Tournament on Saturday, March 16, at Circulo Verde, Quezon City.
The win-hungry Lady Eagles set the tone with a rapid start to the match. They enjoyed an early advantage, courtesy of Nicole Bugayong’s strike past UST keeper Nicole Reyes in the 7th minute. The defender’s goal was quickly cancelled out, however, by Hazel Lustan’s composed finish in the 15th minute.
Deita’s goal-of-the-season contender soon after the restart gave UST a one-goal cushion that they never relinquished. She weaved past Ateneo defender Joannah Adao with a deft dribble, then let it fly from 30-yards out, skimming the crossbar before bouncing into the net.
47’ – Goal for UST. Cecile Deita’s rocket from distance gives her team the lead!
Ateneo 1 UST 2 #UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/1Vy9Vqt22h
— Kirby G. Jalandoni (@Kirby_TheGUIDON) March 16, 2019
The Lady Eagles nearly responded in the 49th minute through a string of passes that left the goal gaping for Martina Roxas. Adao needled a pinpoint pass to a streaking Martina Bautista, who then delivered a perfect ball to Roxas, but the forward’s shot at point-blank range was safely handled by Reyes.
49’ – Chance for the Lady Eagles! Catedrilla needles a superb pass to a streaking Bautista, who then plays a perfect ball to find Roxas open! Her soft strike was easily handled by Reyes, however.
Ateneo 1 UST 2 #UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/pjLHoJb0kk
— Kirby G. Jalandoni (@Kirby_TheGUIDON) March 16, 2019
Ateneo continued to threaten as the second half progressed, but timely defensive plays by UST snuffed out any real opportunities by Ateneo. Caparros’ activity in this half denied chance after chance with well-timed blocks.
The Lady Eagles were inches away from equalizing in the dying moments of the match. A persistent attack in the final minute of extra time resulted in a free kick a couple yards behind the box, but Cathy Cabrera’s precise set-piece effort was cleared off the line, sealing the UST victory.
90’ + 2 – Cabrera nearly equalizes at the dying seconds of the match, but her pinpoint free-kick is cleared off the line!
Ateneo 1 UST 2 #UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/OxeG2mAT9w
— Kirby G. Jalandoni (@Kirby_TheGUIDON) March 16, 2019
After the match, Coach Jaypee Merida commended the effort of the España-based team.
“Yung laro ng UST was super aggressive–yung fitness ‘nila is very high,” he said. “Kailangan mabalik ‘yung motivation ng [Lady Eagles].”
(UST played aggressively and had great fitness. The motivation of the Lady Eagles needs to return.)
The loss kept the AWFT at the bottom of the table with a 0-0-3 record. UST, on the other hand, garnered their second victory, with a 2-1-1 slate.
The Lady Eagles look to obtain their first victory of the season in their next match against the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons on Wednesday, March 20, 1:00 PM, at Circulo Verde, Quezon City.
Starting XIs:
Ateneo: Adao, Almeda, Bautista, Bugayong, Cabrera, Calimbo, Caparros (GK, C), Catedrilla, De Luna, Diaz, Roxas.
UST: Cadag, Dahildahil, Durano, Espiritu, Indac, Lemoran, Lopez, Lustan (C), Panes, Reyes (GK), Yanto.
Substitutions
53’ – Alemda on for Adao
53’ – Cotoco on for Diaz
60’ – Naguiat on for Almeda
67’ – Panganiban on for Bugayong
78’ – Ferrer on for Roxas
90’ – Pe on for Cotoco
