CITY OF IMUS – De La Salle University held tournament leader University of the Philippines to a goalless stalemate in the first round of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament on Thursday at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub here.
Anchored by the defense of rookie defender Bacchus Ekberg and goalkeeper Edcel Lauron, the Green Booters successfully stifled the Fighting Maroons’ vaunted attack line.
With the draw, La Salle climbed to third place with four points and a goal difference of 0, just behind the University of Santo Tomas Golden Booters on goal difference.
Ekberg nearly delivered the breakthrough for La Salle on a counterattack, but his cross inside the box in the 57th minute went straight to UP keeper Fonzy Gonzalez.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“We know that UP is a strong team, but we’re here to play,” said newly installed head coach Richard Leyble.
“We just did our best to win na even though most of my players are new, but when they follow the game plan, the instructions, we can win this game. So, we prepared for this because we know how they play, and we somehow succeeded.”
La Salle will next face archrival Ateneo on Sunday when the action shifts to the UP Football Stadium at 4:00 PM.
On the other hand, the result was far from flattering for the Fighting Maroons, who nevertheless kept their hold on the top spot with seven points and a +3 goal difference.
Both sides had promising moments from the wings, with UP’s Cian Galsim and Jian Caraig creating chances, but Lauron calmly dealt with every attempt that came his way.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Florenz Tacardon came closest to breaking the deadlock for UP, but his shot late in the second half also went straight into the hands of the La Salle keeper.
“We just have to go back in training and work on our decision-making better inside the field. They should make the right decisions depending on the situation and just enjoy the game,” said UP head coach Popoy Clarino.
The Fighting Maroons return to their home pitch next Thursday, October 9, at 6:30 PM, where they look to get back on track against Adamson.
