Far Eastern University has claimed all three points in each of its last 17 matches, and that impressive run continued on a fateful Wednesday night.
Jelani Pabuaya ended a spell of missed chances and broke through for a 1-0 victory over De La Salle University, completing FEU’s sweep of the first round of the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
The third-year forward finally found the breakthrough with just a minute left in regulation, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to score the game-winner and deny the Lady Booters a share of the spoils.
The result kept FEU atop the standings with a perfect 15 points and a plus-12 goal difference, putting the reigning five-peat champions in prime position to secure one of the coveted Final Four spots. The Lady Tamaraws are three points clear of La Salle, which has 12 points after four wins and this defeat.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“I’m very happy and contented with the result of the game kasi it’s not just about the quality of the game, but the concentration of the players,” said Coach Let Dimzon.
“As I mentioned to them kanina, kailangan lang nila maging, ano… ‘yung objective namin ngayon is to be target-locked. And then they were able to do that, and ‘yung tasking with individuals. So they were able to hold those important players ng La Salle, and that’s why, ayun na, naging maayos ‘yung attacking namin and defending,” she added.
Pabuaya and UAAP Season 88 Golden Boot winner Judie Arevalo spearheaded the attack for the reigning four-peat champions, particularly in the second half. However, their attempts either went wide or straight into the hands of La Salle goalkeeper Jessica Pido.
Despite completing a first-round sweep, Dimzon wants to see more creativity and determination from her wards when they get opportunities in front of goal in the second round.
“‘Yung character nila, attitude nila in front,” said Dimzon. “Kaya as much as possible, like ‘yung mga set pieces, mga trouble situations, so lahat ng mga plays in front of the box or inside the box. So I think ‘yun lang—’yung kailangan, ‘yung eagerness to receive it, eagerness to score.
“So I think ‘yun lang ‘yung nagkukulang sa amin, kasi as I mentioned to them, kailangan laging meron kayong striking mentality na every time you have the chances in front or inside the box, you have to take the opportunity na ma-convert nila into scores,” the former national team mentor added.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
On the other hand, the Lady Booters had several opportunities to breach the Lady Tamaraws’ defense, with their biggest chance coming in added time.
Dani Tanjangco tried to equalize as the clock wound down, but her effort was eventually cleared by the Lady Tamaraws, who held on to secure all three points.
The match began with a minute of silence in memory of the late DLSU and national team goalkeeper Frances Santos Roces, who passed away on September 22.
