Via two first half goals, the National University Bulldogs snatched their inaugural victory of UAAP Season 79, 2-1, against the budding Adamson University Soaring Falcons, Sunday evening at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
As a result, NU climb the standings to sixth with four points in the bag. Adamson, consequently, fall to seventh after registering three points in six games.
The first of the Bulldogs’ goals came seven minutes into the game. Patrick Valenzuela got on the end of Elmer Sampaga’s cross in a swift attack that caught the Adamson defense off-guard. It was the bright start NU needed after having failed to take the lead in any of their first four games.
An even battle ensued, with both teams going for a second goal, which would either allow Adamson back in the game or provide NU a two-goal cushion. Unsurprisingly, the Soaring Falcons hit the gas with Christian Melliza spearheading the attack. The returning player got a decent header that went off-target with 20 minutes left in the first half.
With the way the game was going, Adamson would have taken a 1-0 deficit heading to the break. But Sampaga had other ideas, though, as his magnificent effort five minutes before halftime doubled the Bulldogs’ lead. It remained that way when the referee blew the halftime whistle.
In the early moments of the second half, the trailing Adamson team were handed a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty in the 47th minute. Melliza did not waste the opportunity to pull one back for his team, making it an uncomfortable game for the Bulldogs.
Having their lead trimmed looked a positive for NU, who controlled the remainder of the game. Unfortunately, they were unable to add to their advantage. At times, they were poised to make it 3-1, but poor finishing — particularly from Lawrence Colina — was the main reason the game ended 2-1.
Coach Jose Mari Aberasturi admitted to delight with the result but still sees plenty for his team to improve on. “Kulang pa rin. Marami pa dapat chances na na-convert pero hindi na-convert. Marami pang trabahuin talaga,” the new mentor admitted.
A problem he wants to work on is retaining his team’s focus in the second half. “Noong second half kasi sinabi sa kanila huwag mag-relax. Weakness kasi ng team nagre-relax after ng break. Tingin ko yung kulang sa team is yung focus sa laro kasi doon kami kinikuhanan ng kalaban,” he elaborated, citing that most of the goals they have conceded so far came from defensive lapses shortly after halftime.
The next challenge for Aberasturi’s players is a match against the De La Salle University Green Archers. They will see action this Thursday, March 2, 2PM at the Moro Lorenzo Football field in Ateneo. Before that game is Adamson’s bid to finish the first round on a high note. The Falcons will go up against the University of the East in the same day and venue with kickoff at 9AM.
