THE ATENEO Women’s Football Team (AWFT) concluded their Ang Liga Filipina stint with a victory over the Makati Football Club (MFC), 3-1. The match was held earlier this evening, April 25, at the Circuit Makati Blue Pitch in the City of Makati.
Earning their second win, the Blue Eagles finished the tournament at fourth place with six points on the table.
After both teams traded chances in the first ten minutes, MFC found a lucky break in the 11th minute with a strike from within the box that was nearly saved by goalkeeper Sophia Gajitos. However, the ball slipped past her grasp, handing Ateneo an early 0-1 deficit.
Undeterred by the early setback, the Blue and White responded in the 23rd minute off a quick counterattack. Sophia Lyttle delivered a long ball that was parried by Makati’s goalkeeper, but her fellow forward Jada Bicierro calmly slotted in the rebound to tie the match as both teams ended on level terms to after the first half, 1-1.
Both teams continued to prevent each other from generating clear shots to start the second half. Between the 61st to 63rd minute, Bicierro and Lyttle’s attempts inside the box were denied by the MFC goalkeeper.
Breaking out of the deadlock, Lyttle went one-on-one against her marker, who slipped inside the box. With space to operate, the forward then delivered a composed shot over the onrushing goalkeeper into the left side of the goal in the 68th minute, 2-1.
In the 78th minute, Bicierro connected with Lyttle via a short pass on the left flank, allowing the rookie to net her brace, 3-1.
With the Makati-based unit unable to penetrate against the Blue Eagles’ defense, the time expired with Ateneo securing their second win.
Following this victory, the AWFT will continue their preparations for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89 Football Tournament.
Standings — Points (GD):
- Stallion Laguna F.C. – 15 (+42)
- FEU Lady Tamaraws – 10 (+15)
- Kaya F.C.–Iloilo – 10 (+14)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles – 6 (-13)
- Makati F.C. – 0 (-14)
- NU Lady Bulldogs – 0 (-44)
