,Amidst a bad day at the office, the De La Salle University Lady Archers needed some Sara Castañeda magic to earn a point against the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons.
In what was their first game after the Holy Week break, La Salle fought out a 1-1 draw against UP in the second round of the UAAP Season 81 Women’s Football Tournament, Saturday afternoon, at the Circulo Verde field in Quezon City.
“(The players) had no intensity. This was the lousiest game they ever played. Not because it’s a draw because we also drew UST (in the first round), but this was the lousiest game in terms of attitude. We lacked intensity. We lacked a lot of things,” said La Salle coach Hans-Peter Smit, who then praised UP for their performance.
La Salle dominated in the first period, but they wasted a flurry of chances that should have put the game beyond doubt. UP goalie Nicole Adlawan’s goal was relentlessly bombarded, but it was her team who drew first blood against the run of play.
Mary Rose Obra broke through quickly to penetrate the Lady Archers’ backline. She eluded right-back Thea Concepcion to score past goalkeeper Tashka Lacson in the 40th minute.
UP were then fortunate to not concede just before the break when Irish Navaja’s attempt hit the crossbar.
Come the second half, UP played considerably better compared to the first period, and it was a more even contest. Alyssa Ube had chances to score but she failed to find the back of the net in both opportunities.
The Lady Archers then found a lucky equalizer in the 75th minute, as midfielder Sara Castañeda found space to shoot. Her attempt crept past Lady Maroons goalie Nicole Adlawan, as both sides ultimately shared the spoils.
“It’s a much-improved performance from the last game against FEU. I thought that we were the more aggressive team. We pressed very well. Unfortunately, we allowed (La Salle) space, and with those types of players – you give them space, they have the quality to make the difference,” said UP coach Anto Gonzales.
La Salle (11 points) next play the University of Santo Tomas on May 1, 2019. Meanwhile, UP (5 points) go up against the España-based school on May 4, 2019. Circulo Verde will continue to host both games.
DLSU XI: Barcemo, Concepcion, Castañeda, Dacanay, Del Campo, Delos Reyes, Hodges, Lacson (GK), Mendaño, Navava, Tejada ©.
UP XI: Adlawan (GK), Alleje ©, Corvera, Dabalos, Dungca, Fagsao, Jalandoni, Obra, Ruiz, Ube, Yalong.
