By: Nicole Parallag
Angel Egay delivered when it mattered most, leading Far Eastern University to a first-round sweep of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament with a 2-1 victory over a resilient De La Salle University on Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Field in Quezon City.
The second-year striker found space just outside the box and fired a decisive shot in the 80th minute, giving the Lady Tamaraws the edge in this heated rematch of last season’s finals.
“Ung breakaway goal ni Egay, it was a perfect shot. She was at a good moment at the right time,” said coach Let Dimzon.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Marienelle Cristobal had earlier equalized in first-half stoppage time, calmly converting a penalty in the 45th minute after La Salle’s Elisha Lubiano was called for a foul inside the box.
With the win, FEU claimed first place in the standings with 12 points and a +10 goal difference.
“Medyo intense sa first half. Naunahan kami maka-score goal, but it’s a good comeback. Sabi ko, hangga’t hindi pa natatapos yung whistle, don’t stop,” added Dimzon.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
It was a tough afternoon for the defending champions as it was the Lady Booters who opened the scoring.
Maegan Alforque outmaneuvered FEU goalkeeper Jessa Lehayan to put La Salle on the scoreboard in the 31st minute.
Despite ending the first round on a sour note, La Salle remains in a strong position to return to the finals, holding second place in the standings with nine points and a +3 goal difference.
The second round of eliminations is set to begin next Saturday at the same Diliman venue.
