The National University Bulldogs finally saw some light at the end of the tunnel in the UAAP Season 81 Men’s Football Tournament.
After two draws and three losses to start of their campaign, the Jhocson-based school relied on forward Ivan Ouano’s heroics to clinch a 2-0 victory over the University of the East Red Warriors, Thursday morning, at the Far Eastern University-Diiliman field in Quezon City.
Following a goalless first half, Ouano found space to shoot and the University of Southern Philippines Foundation alumnus saw his attempt go past UE goalkeeper Frank Rieza at the 47th minute.
UE tried to respond to the setback NU managed to repel wave after wave of attack. With only two minutes left on the game clock, the Bulldogs celebrated the insurance goal they needed when Ouano scored his second strike in the contest.
Unlike their 2-2 draw against the University of Santo Tomas Golden Booters, Mari Aberasturi’s men did not surrender this time around. In contrast, the Red Warriors were left to lament their third straight game without a win.
With the result, all teams in the competition, barring the Adamson University Soaring Falcons, have barged into the win column. There will be tougher tests ahead for NUm, but they will rest easy now that they have gotten the monkey off their back.
On the other hand, it’s back to the drawing board for the Red Warriors. This game was their third loss following a draw against Adamson, and big wins over the Ateneo Blue Eagles and De La Salle Green Archers.
Both schools shall next play on March 17, 2019, at FEU-Diliman. NU (5 points) play the Ateneo de Manila University at 1:00 PM. Meanwhile, UE (7 points) compete against defending champions University of the Philippines afterwards at 3:00 PM.
