DESPITE AN early edge, the Ateneo Women’s Football Team (AWFT) ultimately fell to archrivals De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Booters, 1-3. This game marked Ateneo’s third match for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 second-round eliminations, played earlier today at the UP Diliman Football Field in Quezon City.
This loss kept the Blue Eagles in fourth place in the standings with five points and a goal differential of -19.
In the opening stages of the possession-juggling match, the Blue Eagles were met with assertive offense from DLSU, who made early attempts to score at the third and seventh-minute mark. However, both shots narrowly missed, hitting the post and sailing above the crossbar, respectively.
Amidst the looming threats, the Blue Eagles remained resilient. Despite DLSU’s interception of Ateneo’s corner kick in the 11th minute, midfielder Traci Lim swiftly reclaimed possession, exhibiting finesse with a formidable strike from beyond the box and securing Ateneo’s 1-0 lead.
Looking for a swift response, the Taft-based team attempted to secure an equalizer, yet all near shots were foiled by the composed and decisive saves of Ateneo goalkeeper Adrielle Lee in the 14th, 18th, and 22nd minutes.
Subsequently, DLSU’s efforts to even the score were derailed by astute clearances by Ateneo defender Patty Francisco in the 30th and 34th minutes. With Lee repelling consecutive attacks in the 39th, 41st, and 42nd minutes, the DLSU Booters could also not capitalize on free kicks and corners, ending the first half in favor of the Blue and White, 1-0.
However, the second half saw La Salle launch persistent counter-attacks at the heart of the Atenean defense. As the Blue Eagles were dispossessed in the 50th minute, DLSU forward Shai Del Campo knocked in a crisp shot to the side-netting to level the fiery battle, 1-1.
The Blue Eagles aimed to claw back, however, constant faults from the offensive kept shot opportunities at a loss. While Ateneo hoped to regain possession against the Taft-based attack in the 67th minute, Del Campo embarked on an offensive foray, sending in an effortless tap-in shot home to put DLSU ahead, 2-1.
In the remaining minutes, the drained Blue Eagles failed to exhibit their formidable first-half performance, supplying DLSU with the upper hand in the remaining plays. As an 85th-minute foul from Ateneo brought about a lady booter set-piece, Chenny Danoso knocked in a low-driven ball to seal their victory with a two-goal lead against the Loyola-heights selection, 3-1.
Despite the loss, the Blue Eagles hope to bring home a triumphant result in their final match of Season 86 as they face reigning champions FEU Lady Tamaraws next Saturday, May 4, at 4:00 PM at the same venue.
Starting XI:
Ateneo (1): Lee (GK), Tuaño, Tolentino, Samonte, Zalamea, Francisco (C), Alferez, Roco, Lim, Napoles, Eval
DLSU (3): Gumilao (GK), Delos Reyes (C), Isulat, Otom, Layacan, Teves, Mendaño, Del Campo, Goñe, Castañeda, Danoso
Standings (Points, Goal Difference):
- DLSU Lady Booters (14, +16)
- FEU Lady Tamaraws (12, +12)
- UP Fighting Maroons (4, +2)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles (5, -19)
- UST Lady Booters (0, -11)
