By: Nicole Parallag
Ten-man De La Salle University eased to a 3–1 victory over a gritty Adamson University side to extend its strong run of form in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament on Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
After suffering an opening-day loss to the University of Santo Tomas, the Green Booters are now on a four-match unbeaten streak. They leapfrogged archrival Ateneo de Manila University to climb to second in the standings with eight points and a plus-2 goal difference.
“We prepared for this,” said head coach Richard Leyble. “We trained, we planned, and the most important thing is that the players followed the plan.
“We will continue learning and improving every day, especially during training, so we can prepare against other opponents. What’s important is that we remain focused,” the first-year Green Booters head coach added.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Neil Estampador broke the deadlock early with a stunning long-range strike that caught Adamson keeper Shane Salarda off guard in the 13th minute.
The Soaring Falcons immediately responded, with winger Golike Doko firing in the equalizer just a minute later to make it 1–1.
John Gaverza quickly restored La Salle’s advantage in the 17th minute, calmly slotting the ball into the back of the net to regain the lead.
James Sibla later sealed the victory for the Green Booters with a well-placed finish in the 68th minute, skillfully evading Salarda to secure the win.
However, Sibla’s night ended prematurely when he was sent off in the 80th minute after receiving a second yellow card for a hard foul on Adamson’s Kim Cabuag following a heated exchange between the two.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Adamson pushed hard to narrow the deficit, with Marlon Dasig nearly converting a header in the 84th minute. But La Salle goalkeeper Edcel Lauron stood firm, making a crucial save to preserve the win.
La Salle will aim to keep its momentum going when it faces defending champion Far Eastern University in its final first-round match on Sunday at 4:00 PM, still at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Adamson, meanwhile, wrapped up the first round in sixth place with four points and a minus-6 goal difference.
