Defending champions University of the Philippines Lady Maroons and Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws prolonged their difficult starts in the UAAP Season 79 Women’s Football Tournament with a 0-0 draw today at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
“We can take a lot of positives from the game,” admitted UP mentor Anto Gonzales. “I think we started better in this game compared to our last two games. I though the fight and mental toughness improved. Overall I’m satisfied with the performance.”
UP and FEU shot blanks in the first period, although it was not for a lack of trying. Both the Lady Maroons and Lady Tamaraws knew how crucial this game was and sought the early advantage.
FEU captain Jovelle Sudaria led by example and actually put the ball at the back of the net, only for her freekick to be disallowed due to a technicality. Sudaria, though, didn’t let her head drop and unleashed a longshot which went well over the Lady Maroons goal.
At the other end, UP’s forwards failed to combine properly, which hindered their offense. Lady Tamaraws goalie Kim Pariña was relatively untroubled until the period’s last moments, when she performed a routine stop against Lady Maroons forward BG Sta. Clara.
Halftime beckoned and both teams understood that they needed to improve in order to seal that precious first win of the season.
Once the game resumed, it was State U who looked closer to clinching that all-important goal. Lady Maroons skipper Cristina de los Reyes brought it upon herself to lead the charge. De los Reyes had a freekick outside the Lady Tamaraws box, but she only shot over.
UP pressed FEU back for most of the second half and the Lady Tamaraws rarely ventured forward as a result. Substitute winger Alyssa Ube and De Los Reyes had chances late in the game which forced easy saves from Parina.
No goal arrived as UP and FEU had to make do with a 0-0 scoreline, a result which does not worsen nor improve both teams’ seasons.
“Pinaka-problem ngayon sa FEU is reading ng game. Karamihan nahihirapan sila magbasa ng game kaya nahirapan sila sa adjustments. Ayan ang pinakamahirap tinuturo sa practice eh, ibigay mo lahat ng options pero hindi pa rin makuha ng mga player,” lamented FEU coach Let Dimzon.
Up next for State U (0-1-2) are the University of Santo Tomas on March 4, 3:00 PM, while FEU (0-1-2) shall face the De La Salle University on March 11, 3:00 PM. Both games shall be held at Rizal Memorial.
UP XI: Adlawan, Agustin, Alleje, Delos Reyes, Malmis, Mendoza, Navea-Huff, Perez, Sebastian, Sta. Clara, Yalong
FEU XI: Acibar, Araneta, Bejic, Belluga, Kadil, Lam, Pachejo, Pariña, Sales, Simoy, Sudaria
