IN A tightly-contested affair between fated rivals, the Ateneo Blue Eagles were narrowly bested by the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Booters, 0-1, after a first-half penalty. The Blue and White’s third game of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 Women’s Football tournament took place yesterday, October 19, at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City.
With the loss, the Blue Eagles remain at the bottom of the Season 87 standings, with a 0-0-3 win-draw-loss record.
Despite the conceded penalty, the Blue Eagle defense showed its tenacity in the first half, as defenders Joshper Halili and Patricia Fransisco played central roles in marshaling Ateneo’s backline. Chelssy Casals’ goalkeeping was also stellar, keeping the Katipunan-based unit in the game with her shot-stopping throughout the match.
The first half also proved to be a clash of styles as the Taft-based squad aimed to control the game’s tempo with their possession-based approach, while the Blue and White sought to stay patient by sitting deep in defense and unleashing counterattacks on the other end.
The first sign of danger from the Lady Booters came in the third minute as Tejanee Isulat’s shot went over the crossbar while Angely Alferez’s cross got stumped by the DLSU backline three minutes later.
Casals then rose to the occasion for Ateneo in the 13th minute, denying Del Campo’s one-on-one effort. However, DLSU’s early momentum eventually overwhelmed Ateneo, as the Blue and White conceded a penalty, which was put away by Angelica Teves for the Lady Booters, 0-1.
Amid the increasing pressure from DLSU, forward Jada Bicierro got booked with a yellow card in the 22nd minute for her attempt to waste time. Despite the Blue and White remaining at the back foot for the rest of the half, the combined efforts of Fransisco, Halili, and Raya Tolentino kept the Lady Booters at bay to keep the deficit at one goal to end the frame.
The second canto proved to paint the same picture for Ateneo, as the Blue Eagles offensive synergy was constantly interrupted by the pestering physical defense of the Lady Booters.
In the dying seconds of the game, however, the match took a sharp turn as intensity started to peak from both teams. With 15 seconds left in regulation, the Taft-based squad nearly captured their second goal as they successfully dragged the ball in the box surprising the flustered Ateneo defense. Quick enough to respond, the Katipunan-based squad avoided the dilemma by forcing the ball onto the centerfield, allowing them to reestablish their defense.
At the start of the match’s added five minutes, Ateneo came up with an excellent chance after orchestrating their best offensive ploy of the game. However, the momentary glimpse of light quickly dimmed as Blue Eagles were called for offside.
Meanwhile, DLSU kept their foot on the gas, rocketing another on-target attempt at the third-minute mark but was saved by Cassals.
With a minute left in overtime, Ateneo had an open window yet again to score their first goal of the season via a freekick from Bicierro, but DLSU made sure to put up key defensive schemes, forcing the Katipunan-based squad to lose their steam in their last offensive possession.
On the other hand, the Lady Booters capitalized on their composure in their last possession as they attempted a last-second goal, which ultimately went wide due to Cassal’s range of defense.
Providing a clear image of the match was the Lady Booters’ 20 shots and two corners in comparison to the Blue Eagles’ two shots and zero corners, emphasizing a stark contrast between both teams’ offensive execution.
The Blue Eagles seek to finally secure their first points of the season against the University of Santo Tomas Lady Booters next Saturday, October 26, at 6:30 PM in the same venue.
Starting XI:
Ateneo (0): Casals (GK), Alferez, Bicierro, Espiritu, Eval, Francisco, Halili, Lim, Schroth, Tolentino, Zalamea (C)
DLSU (1): Pido (GK), Alforque, Del Campo, Isulat, Jumawan, Lubiano, Maligalig, Santiago, Tanjanco, Teves, Trebol
Current Standings – Points (Goal Difference):
- DLSU Lady Booters – 9 (+5)
- FEU Lady Tamaraws – 6 (+4)
- UP Fighting Maroons – 3 (-1)
- UST Lady Booters – 0 (-3)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles – 0 (-5)
