THE ATENEO Women’s Football Team (AWFT) succumbed to the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraw Booters in their first match of University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85, 0-1. The match was held earlier today at the University of the Philippines Diliman Football Pitch in Quezon City.
Right from the opening whistle, the Lady Tamaraw Booters commanded the offensive end. This forced the Blue Eagles to rely on their defensive specialists in order to contain FEU’s attacks through their high-press tactics. However, Ateneo goalkeeper Adrielle Lee proved to be vital for the Blue and White as she managed to keep FEU at bay despite their well-timed attacks.
[First Half]
— Luis Antonio Licas (@Luis_TheGUIDON) February 25, 2023
'19 – Lee denies FEU's close shot at the goal.
Ateneo 0 FEU 0@TheGUIDONSports#UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/im1NGiU2IZ
The Blue Eagles’ biggest chance in the first half came in the form of Soleil Schroth’s attack at the 45th minute, splitting the Lady Tamaraw Booters’ defensive line. However, the striker failed to seal her shot on target, as FEU’s Erma Balacua denied Ateneo’s chance at their first goal.
[First Half]
— Luis Antonio Licas (@Luis_TheGUIDON) February 25, 2023
45' – Schroth gets past FEU's goal-keeper for a clear shot on goal.
Ateneo 0 FEU 0#UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/9ZzrmgZ6Nu
With both sides struggling to convert on their opportunities, the first half ended in a stalemate, 0-0.
Entering the second half, the Blue Eagles continued with the same pressure on the defensive end, denying the Lady Tamaraw Booters on multiple occasions. The combined effort of Schroth and Team Captain Patricia Francisco proved to be pivotal at the 53rd minute as they halted back-to-back attacks by FEU.
[Second Half]
— Luis Antonio Licas (@Luis_TheGUIDON) February 25, 2023
53' – Francisco and Schroth manage to send back FEU's back-to-back attacks.
Ateneo 0 FEU 0#UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/jvWww7KYho
However, despite their defensive efforts, the Blue Eagles were unable to contain FEU as they slotted in a goal from within the box at the 66th minute to open up the scoring, 1-0.
Carmela Altiche nearly replicated their team’s previous success in the 73rd minute of play, but Ateneo’s Maria Justine Hernando was quick to clear the Lady Tamaraw’s corner kick. The Blue and White would fail to find an equalizer as FEU quickly took control of the pace for the remainder of the match.
While commending his team for following through with their game plan, Head Coach Robert Manlulo noted the need for players to step up, especially with their short-handed lineup. “With my limited resources, I need the players to be more creative and they have to be more challenged for every game situation,” he shared.
The Blue Eagles will look to bounce back as they go up against the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons on Sunday, March 4, at 6:00 PM at the same venue.
