Shai del Campo’s late goal was the difference as De La Salle University came from two goals down to overcome third-placer University of the Philippines, 3-2, in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Football Tournament Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
With the match delicately poised at two goals each, the De La Salle Zobel alumna headed the ball home in the 90+4 minute to seal the victory for the Lady Booters.
Del Campo’s winner provided the climactic finish after her teammate Maria Layacan brought La Salle back on level terms with a brace in the 25th and 31st minute.
“The match was basically no bearing, but we still wanted to prepare for the FEU match,” said coach Alvin Ocampo. “We tried to see kung inapply yung training namin the whole week. It’s just a matter of an aga ng mga mistakes nila.
“The good thing was they were able to manage to get back the two goals before halftime. They had 45 minutes and until the last minute makabawi ba, to score,” he added.
Before Layacan and Del Campo combined to win the contest, La Salle was in danger of heading into the May 10 final against Far Eastern University on the back of two straight losses.
Abby Dumada-og gave UP a dream start with a goal just three minutes into the contest. Then Aurea Reaso scored what should have been the Fighting Maroons’ insurance goal in the 17th minute.
Up by two goals, UP failed to protect its lead. It already had a get-out-of-jail card wasted when Del Campo missed a penalty.
But the Fighting Maroons were left to lament Layacan’s two quick goals, which paved the way for Del Campo to redeem herself in stoppage time.
Despite the dramatic victory, Ocampo warned the Lady Booters by saying that the Lady Tamaraws would be a tougher nut to crack.
Both sides face each other this Friday at 5:00 PM at Rizal Memorial Stadium for the championship.
“You cannot show weakness. We’re playing FEU and FEU will see your weakness. Matalo, manalo, pasok naman. At least wala kaming suspensions for the next game at wala kaming ganung injury, but still it’s not an excuse,” Ocampo said.
On the other hand, UP finished the season with 10 points on the back of three wins, one draw, and four losses.
The Fighting Maroons are bronze medalists for the second straight season.
Frances Acelo, Jennifer Baroin, Cara Cachero, Regine Chua, Dumada-og, Eunice Eduave, Kamea Mangrobang, and Andrea Montilla will graduate from UP.
UP XI: Eduave (GK), Chua, Baroin, Miranda, Torres, Dumada-og, Kim, Mangrobang, Napiza (C), Reaso, Braga.
DLSU XI: Gumilao, Isulat, Otom, Layacan, Teves, Mendaño, Del Campo, Goñe, Castañeda, Santiago, Danoso.
