By: Nicole Parallag
Defending champion Far Eastern University secured its fifth consecutive win in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Football Tournament at the expense of University of the Philippines, with a 2-0 victory on Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
After a scoreless opening few minutes, the Fighting Maroons’ defense faltered under the continuous pressure from the Lady Tamaraws, leading UP to commit a foul.
This resulted in Jonela Albiño being awarded a free kick in the 15th minute.
The 23-year-old midfielder successfully converted the set piece to score the go-ahead goal early in the first half, opening FEU’s account.
Team captain Inday Tolentin secured FEU’s full points with a cross in the 87th minute, marking her third goal of the season.
With this win, the Morayta squad remained unbeaten and finished at the top of the first round of eliminations with 15 points.
“Kailangan nila ma build ulit yung confidence nila, I-follow kung ano plano naming. We strengthen our attack from the start to finish dapat nandun parin, 100-percent high intensity until we finish. Everytime andyan kayo sa loob you have to give 100-percent and then the rest will follow.” said Coach Let Dimzon on this win.
“Inaaim talaga namin na makapasok kami sa finals so we have to strengthen our attacks also same with the defense kailangan lang naming mag focus individually from different position especially sa defending side everytime na magkaroon ng counter attack, paano ung organization ng team.”
UP goalkeeper Frances Acelo performed admirably to thwart FEU’s attempts at scoring, but it wasn’t enough to keep the Tamaraws at bay.
As of this writing, UP ended the first round in third place with 4 points and a minus-2 goal difference.
UP XI: Acelo (GK), Chua, Penetrante, Fuentes, Baron, Cachero, Kim, Mangrobang, Napiza (C), Reaso, Muros.
FEU XI: Elauria, Tolentin (C), Altiche, Arevalo, Cuenco, Magbitang, Doctora, Albino, Ansabor, Tulabing, Rebosura
