In a rematch of last year’s final, Tiffany Trinidad’s late goal sealed a dramatic 3-2 victory for 10-woman Far Eastern University against De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Football Tournament Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Trinidad, a rookie midfielder from Negros Occidental, scored the match’s winning goal in the 88th minute off a rebound after her initial header hit the post.
It was the climactic finale that the Lady Tamaraws deserved. They were the more aggressive side despite defender Janly Fontamillas’ dismissal in the 36th minute for denying Lady Booters forward Shai del Campo an obvious goalscoring opportunity.
“Naisip ko (yung winning goal) pero gusto ko teamwork para mas maganda,” Trinidad. “Nakakita ako ng target po kasi yung goalkeeper nag-approach. Nakita ko yung space sa right side kaya ni-rebound ko para mag-goal.”
The defending champions started the game on the wrong foot as Angelica Teves broke the deadlock for the Lady Booters in the 22nd minute.
Just when their woes were compounded by Fontamillas’ red card, the Lady Tamaraws dug deep to keep themselves in the match.
Captain Dionesa Tolentin scored the leveler in the 40th minute.
La Salle midfielder Anicka Castañeda then gave her side the lead back in the 61st minute, but the Lady Booters failed to control the match.
Katrina Magbitang scored the Lady Tamaraws’ second equalizer in the 69th minute to pave the way for Trinidad’s eventual winner.
“I think yung pinaka best dun is yung resilience ng players,” said FEU coach Let Dimzon. “Every time they were down, hindi talaga sila nag-g-give up.
“Ayun yung sinabi ko kanina sa meeting namin during the morning: Whatever happens, kung maskoran tayo, we need to come back stronger. Kahit na mangyari ay ma-down tayo ng one goal, pero never give up until the final whistle.”
Both teams are level with nine points each in the standings. However, La Salle is in first place because of a superior goal difference of +11 to FEU’s +10.
The Lady Tamaraws can end the first round on top by beating the UP Fighting Maroons this Saturday at 4:00 PM.
On the other hand, the Lady Booters are on break next week.
