While a game of football last 90 minutes, the result can rest on one moment. The University of Santo Tomas Lady Golden Booters learned that today with a thrilling 2-1 win against the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws.
Hazel Lustan (56′) and Charise Lemoran (61′) provided the goals, although it was Growling Tigresses goalie Nicole Reyes who was the hero with her 90th minute penalty save against Jovelle Sudaria tonight at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
It was a cruel moment for Sudaria, as she had been the Lady Tamaraw to pull one back (71′) to give FEU hope in the game.
“Ni-remind ko lang yung mga players na gawin yung play namin kasi medyo magulo kami nung first half eh,” commented UST mentor Prescila Rubio. “Nagugulat kami kasi malakas din naman talaga ang FEU.”
The two schools endured a goalless first half. FEU, though, were the closest to break the deadlock. Lady Tamaraws forward Kim Cupal forced a good save from Reyes. Cupal then had the best chance of the game when she painfully squandered a cross wide.
At the other end, UST’s offense revolved around sophomore forward Lemoran. Lemoran was able to test FEU goalie Kim Parina despite the lack of service she was provided. With FEU manning possession most of the period, UST stayed deep and waited to spring a counterattack.
When the halftime whistle was sounded, both teams entered the dugouts, with FEU unfortunate to not break down the UST defense.
As soon as the second half started, a different UST arrived on the pitch. The Growling Tigresses were visibly more aggressive compared to the first half and it was them which dominated the proceedings.
Goals change games and UST scored twice in just six minutes. Lustan outran the FEU defense and calmly put the ball past Parina in the 56th minute to draw first blood. Afterwards, it was Lemoran’s turn, and she masterfully controlled a high ball and slotted it home in the 61st minute.
The Lady Tamaraws tried to get back in the game, only for Reyes to thwart them every single time. Something special was needed to beat Reyes. Up stepped Sudaria who unleashed a wonderful freekick, which left Reyes helpless at the 77th minute.
Momentum swung to FEU. UST were pegged back and the Growling Tigresses did the worst possible thing by conceding a penalty in the 89th minute. Sudaria rose to the challenge and directed her shot to the lower right corner of the post, but Reyes saved!
Relief washed over UST, and the Growling Tigresses managed to frantically defend their goal. Not even a last-minute free kick from Sudaria threatened UST, as they prevailed 2-1 against a strong FEU side.
“Sobrang saya dahil nag payoff yung effort namin sa training, paghihirap namin, lahat. Masayaa ako nakita ko yung play sa second half kahit medyo disorganized kami nung first half. Masaya pa rin,” concluded Rubio.
FEU shall play the Ateneo de Manila University next on February 18, 2:00 PM. On the other hand, UST will face the De La Salle University on February 25, 4:00 PM. Both games will be held at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
FEU XI: Acibar, Araneta, Bejic, Belluga, Cupal, Kadil, Lam, Pachejo, Parina, Simoy, Sudaria
UST XI: Cadag, Cleofe, Cuaresma, Ilan, Indac, Lemoran, Lopez, Lustan, Reyes, Sanchez, Sumilang
