By: Nicole Parallag
Soleil Schroth struck twice in the first half as Ateneo de Manila University held off a shorthanded University of the Philippines side, 2-1, to bounce back in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament on Wednesday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City.
The 25-year-old defender delivered when Ateneo needed her most, scoring in the 25th and 38th minutes to lift the Blue Eagles back into the win column after their defeat to De La Salle University last Sunday.
UP briefly threatened to turn the match around after Ateneo goalkeeper Brielle Baca committed a costly error in the 35th minute, allowing Erissa Rivas to find the back of the net and cut the deficit to 2-1.
Schroth, however, quickly restored Ateneo’s two-goal cushion just three minutes later, giving the Blue Eagles enough breathing room to withstand the Fighting Maroons’ late push.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“What I told them was not to be too complacent, put pressure, and don’t give second chances. I told Soleil, if you can contribute something to the team, make it count, so I guess she responded to that call,” said Ateneo head coach Bob Manlulo.
The victory moved Ateneo to third in the standings with six points and a minus-one goal difference as of writing.
The Blue Eagles will look to build on their victory when they face defending champion Far Eastern University on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the same venue.
Despite missing key players Bem Aranas, starting goalkeeper Mariel Sancho, and substitute goalkeeper Ainnah De Guzman, the Fighting Maroons remained competitive throughout the match.
The trio was suspended following a red card and an altercation in UP’s previous match against FEU, forcing Julian Arrojado to step in as the Fighting Maroons’ starting goalkeeper.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
UP came close to finding the equalizer in the 86th minute when Rivas attempted to capitalize on a set piece, but Baca comfortably denied the effort to preserve Ateneo’s lead.
The Fighting Maroons remained in fifth place in the standings and will seek their first three points of the season against National University in the final match of Sunday’s triple-header.
