University of the Santo Tomas (UST) and De La Salle University (DLSU) got a lift from lone goals in their respective matches to fend off Lady Tamaraws FC and University of the Philippines (UP-X) at the 2015 PFF Women’s Invitational Cup, Friday morning at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
Jalbuena goal gets UST maiden win
UST denied neighbors Lady Tamaraws and took their first win of the tournament via a Trixia Jalbuena goal at the 53rd minute.
The Lady Tams got the first chance of the match at the third minute; only the free kick from Charmaine Fagaragan went straight to opposing keeper Nicole Reyes. This was most they can do in the first half, as UST wrestled control of the match. The Tigresses kept on pushing the ball into their attacking third. Nevertheless, the attempts from Jalbuena, Jennizel Cabalan, and Hazel Lustan were lacking in creativity on the finish. The halftime whistle sounded with a goalless affair.
In the second half, the black-shirts picked up from where they left off in the previous period. Cabalan led the charge for the visitors at the start of the half. The forward had a chance from close range seven minutes before the hour-mark, but she was unable to finish and was seen limping inside the box. Fortunately for UST, Jalbuena was able to take the loose ball and flicked it into the goal for the lone goal of the match.
Sensing urgency, the Lady Tams stifled any further chances from their opponent, and had attempts to get an equalizer from counterattacks. The yellow-shirts then pressed for a late goal to steal the victory. Two free kick tries from Fagaragan found their intended targets, but the Tigresses held them to mere chances as the latter walked away with their debut win of the Cup.
Hodges lone goal enough to life DLSU against UP-X
UAAP Season 77 Rookie of the Year Chelo Hodges punctuated a dominant first half for the Lady Archers with a goal to turn back UP-X in the second match of the day.
It was a back-and-forth in the first minutes of the match as both teams tried to get the momentum. The ladies from Taft had their first chance in the third minute, but the shot from Kyra Dimaandal went straight to Nicole Adlawan’s mitts. DLSU built on this as they punished the Lady Maroons with several attacks on the right flank. However, the defense of Patricia Malonzo and Marie Navea-Huff snuffed these opportunities. Nonetheless, the Archers would not be denied of a goal minutes before the halftime break.
At the 42nd minute, a foul was called on UP, which conceded a free kick to DLSU. Angge Metillo blasted a shot from the top of the box that was met by Adlawan; however, the Maroons custodian spilled the ball. Hodges who was at the right place at the right time tapped it into the goal and out of Adlawan’s reach for the only goal of the match.
The Lady Maroons finally got something going on their offense with the entry of Kali Huff and Sabrina Nierras. However, the through balls intended for Mary Rose Obra were not converted. On the other side of the pitch, Kyla Inquig continued her brilliant play in the midfield. The crafty playmaker almost made an insurance goal at the 81st minute after she stole the ball in the middle; nonetheless, her attempt was a little strong. The game ended with DLSU emerging unscathed after two matches of the Cup.
In an interview, DLSU Head Coach Hans Smit believes his starting eleven is coming on despite their need for sessions on tactics. He shared, “They are learning their defense. Best experience naman is the play itself.” The tournament, as the long-time mentor expressed, helps him to assess his squad for the upcoming UAAP. Despite winning two matches, Smit insisted that they are using this for experience. “Hopefully, we get two more extra games after the group stage. I don’t care if we reach the Finals or not, as long as the girls get the maximum number of games,” he concluded.
The next match day on Sunday, August 23, will feature these following pairings:
8am Green Archers United FC vs Sikat FC
10am DLSU vs UST
2pm FEU vs UP-Y
4pm Chelsea Soccer School Philippines vs Lady Tamaraws FC
