Chelsea Maguad came off the bench to deliver a dream start to the second round of the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament, scoring late to lift the University of the Philippines to a 2–1 victory over Ateneo de Manila University on Wednesday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
The second-year forward, who replaced injured top scorer Erissa Rivas, capitalized on UP’s sustained attacking pressure and a defensive scramble to fire home the go-ahead goal in the 72nd minute.
The victory left the Fighting Maroons and the Blue Eagles tied at nine points apiece, with identical plus-two goal differences, in third place behind the De La Salle Lady Booters, who lead the standings with 13 points.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
The result reversed their September 30 encounter, when Ateneo claimed a 2–1 victory behind Soleil Schroth’s brace.
This time, however, UP emerged victorious after coming from behind.
“That was the first half this season that I felt like we didn’t want to play. Ayaw naming humingi ng bola. Parang hindi kami nag-e-enjoy sa loob. Parang we just wanted the game to finish,” said long-time head coach Anto Gonzalez.
“In that second half, they know what they can do eh. Mental ang problema; i-approach natin ‘yung game na gusto nating kunin ‘yung panalo,” added Gonzalez, a former midfielder for the UP men’s team.
Before Maguad’s winner, Bem Aranas broke through the offside trap and forced Ateneo goalkeeper Brielle Baca to rush out of her box.
Aranas then beat Baca with a rolling shot into the back of the net to level the score in the 65th minute.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Ateneo captain Kassandra Zalamea had given the Blue Eagles an early lead with a vicious strike directly from a corner kick, curling the ball past UP goalkeeper Ainnah De Guzman.
However, the Blue Eagles struggled to find another breakthrough in the second half.
Ateneo had a golden opportunity to restore its lead from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute, but Zalamea’s attempt struck the left post.
UP will aim for its fourth consecutive victory when it takes on National University at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 17. Ateneo, meanwhile, will look to bounce back against archrival De La Salle University later that day at 7 p.m.
