THE ATENEO Women’s Football Team (AWFT) clinched their first Ang Liga Filipina win after dismantling the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs, 4-0. The match was held earlier this evening, April 18, at the Circuit Makati Blue Pitch in the City of Makati.
The win situates Ateneo in the fourth place of the Ang Liga standings.
With both teams looking for their first points in this tournament, the Blue and White were determined to gain momentum on the pitch. However, the opening sequences of the bout saw Ateneo and NU struggling on both ends.
Despite their efforts to outpace their opponents, the Blue Eagles endured NU’s gritty defense, as Lady Bulldog Quenie Magarso denied Jada Bicierro’s shot in the second minute. The Sampaloc-based squad’s game plan to contain Bicierro served as an obstacle to the Blue Eagles.
Moreover, Ateneo fell prey to Marikis Mimis’ defense, allowing NU to retain possession. With their play anticipated by the Lady Bulldogs, Ateneo’s offense remained stagnant in the succeeding moments.
However, Celina Salazar successfully punctured the NU defense at the 38th minute, clinching Ateneo’s first goal, 1-0. This upper hand eventually established an impetus on the Blue and White defense.
The Blue Eagles continued to ride on their newfound momentum throughout the early stages of the second half. With a golden opportunity off a set piece in the 63rd minute, veteran Patty Francisco took advantage of the opportunity with a direct shot at goal following an Ateneo corner kick, 2-0.
Banking on their previous success, the AWFT continued to find their rhythm from set pieces. Blue Eagle mainstay Soleil Schroth connected off a corner kick in an identical manner to her fellow veteran’s previous shot, netting Ateneo’s third goal in the 65th minute, 3-0.
Ateneo’s scoring barrage continued from thereon, with forward Jada Bicierro dispossessing the NU defenders into a screamer in the 74th minute, 4-0. Going for the finishing touch the AWFT also closed things out on the defensive end, denying the Lady Bulldogs any chance of scoring for the rest of the match.
The Blue and White have a final fixture slated against Makati F.C., which was postponed two weeks ago due to logistical conflicts. As of writing, the league has yet to announce further details regarding the rescheduled match.
Starting XI:
Ateneo (4): Schroth, Tolentino, Ramos, Salazar, Zalamea, Napoles, Halili, Espiritu, Bicierro, Gajitos (GK), Eval
NU (0): Magarso (GK), Ambahan, Sangawan, Terado, Beltran, Mimis, Evangelista, Delos Reyes, Peralta, Adamero, Evasco
Standings — Points (GD):
- Stallion Laguna F.C. – 12 (+35)
- Kaya F.C.–Iloilo – 9 (+15)
- FEU Lady Tamaraws – 9 (+15)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles – 3 (-13)
- Makati F.C. – 0 (-7)
- NU Lady Bulldogs – 0 (-30)
