THE ATENEO Women’s Football Team (AWFT) finish the first round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 Women’s Football Tournament, falling to the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Booters, 0-3. The match was held earlier today at the University of the Philippines Diliman Football Field.
The Blue Eagles came out of the gates dominating on both ends of the field, creating offensive chances that kept the Lady Booters at bay with their high press defensive tactics.
Team Captain Patty Francisco’s free-kick at the sixth minute gave hope for their first goal of the season, but the ball went directly to the hands of DLSU goalkeeper Alexandra Gumilao.
[First Half]
— Eury See (@Eury_TheGUIDON) March 18, 2023
06’ – Francisco takes the free kick but misses the shot.
Ateneo 0 DLSU 0@TheGUIDONSports #UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/lDwEj0cz39
The Lady Booters’ subsequent attacks were swiftly shut down by the Blue Eagles, with help from goalkeeper Adrielle Lee’s timely saves.
However, the AWFT’s newfound-momentum quickly faded after a handball violation was called on the Blue and White. The resulting penalty kick gave La Salle their first goal at the 27th minute.
[First Half]
— Eury See (@Eury_TheGUIDON) March 18, 2023
27’ – An Ateneo handball error in penalty box hands their opponents the first point of the match.
Ateneo 0 DLSU 1#UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/0pb02epGWb
Despite the Blue Eagles’ defensive gambits, Ateneo struggled to create productive possessions on their end of the pitch, ending the first half without a goal, 0-1.
At the start of the second half, the Taft-based booters capitalized on the AMFT’s stagnating defense by creating multiple opportunities on their side, threading the ball for their second goal at the 64th minute, 0-2.
[Second Half]
— Eury See (@Eury_TheGUIDON) March 18, 2023
64’ – DLSU quickly picks up the pieces and earns their second point of the match.
Ateneo 0 DLSU 2#UAAPFootball
Ateneo’s woes would continue from thereon out, as another handball violation led to DLSU’s third goal at the 75th minute, courtesy of Amgelica Teves’ penalty kick.
[Second Half]
— Eury See (@Eury_TheGUIDON) March 18, 2023
75’ – Another handball error from Ateneo racks up another point for the Taft-based squad.
Ateneo 0 DLSU 3#UAAPFootball pic.twitter.com/ivG0n5NDsh
The Lady Booters sought to widen the gap even further, but Mikaela Villacin’s attempt at the 86-minute mark skied above the crossbar. With only a couple of minutes remaining, the Katipunan-based squad failed to capture their coveted first goal, officially ending the match, 0-3.
Despite falling short of bringing home a win tonight, Ateneo goalkeeper Lee had nothing but high praises for her team. “Honestly, we started out really rough with lots of setbacks [but] I believe in our team [and] I know we can do so much more. I will always trust my teammates no matter what,” she shared.
The Blue Eagles end the first round of games with a 0-0-3 win-draw-loss record on their plate. The schedule for the next round of games has yet to be released.
