Aurea Reaso scored a fantastic goal to earn University of the Philippines a 1-1 draw with De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 85 Women’s Football Tournament on Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Field.
Reaso unleashed a long-range attempt from outside the La Salle box in the 37th minute, leaving Lady Booters goalie Jessica Marie Pido helpless.
Reaso’s goal allowed UP to strengthen its hold on third place with 11 points, behind three wins, two draws, and one defeat. Meanwhile, La Salle remains in second with 13 points after four wins, one draw, and two defeats.
“I thought we played a really good first half,” said UP coach Anto Gonzales. “Unfortunately, we conceded a goal, but the response from the girls was very good. They didn’t put their heads down. They just got back to work and focused on executing what we intended to do.
“The first half was really great. In the second half, the game changers, we hope they can do better next time. We expected more from them. In the second half, it was all about hanging in there,” continued Gonzales as UP defeated La Salle in the first round, 1-0.
La Salle took the lead in the 36th minute thanks to Stephanie Goñe’s goal. The Lady Booters tried to find a winner after the halftime break, but it was not meant to be.
UP goalkeeper Frances Acelo denied the defending champions multiple times, while Chenny Dañoso had a free kick that narrowly missed.
Late in the match, substitute striker Shai Del Campo had a chance to score. However, she lacked the composure necessary to produce the finish required to steal all three points.
“All the training we did, nothing,” rued La Salle coach Hans-Peter Smit. “Only the goal that we scored came from the play. The rest, wala. No intensity. No urgency. What do you expect? How could we win if we don’t have those things?”
DLSU XI: Pido (GK), Delos Reyes (C), Otom, Toledo, Dañoso, Layacan, Teves, Pañares, Mendaño, Goñe, Almeda.
UP XI: Acelo (GK), Dabalos (C), Reaso, Muring, Baroin, Cachero, Torres, Kim, Ube, Montilla, Napiza.
