By: Nicole Parallag
Judie Arevalo’s equalizer secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw for Far Eastern University against De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament on Wednesday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Arevalo, the Season 86 Rookie of the Year, headed the ball home in the 78th minute, beating La Salle goalkeeper Jessica Marie Pido to earn the defending champions a valuable point in this top-of-the-table clash.
“Yung understanding namin sa play dun sa loob at dun sa labas ng box – yun yung nagiging problem kaya hindi kami nakakapag-convert ng chances,” said FEU head coach Let Dimzon.
“Also, La Salle played well because they pressed the players. They know yung strengths and weaknesses ng FEU, so that’s why in the first half they were able to dominate yung play. But naka-adjust yung FEU,” the decorated head coach added.
After a goalless first half, La Salle took the lead by capitalizing on a defensive mishap from FEU.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
National team striker Shai del Campo opened the scoring for the visitors with a tap-in at the back post in the 68th minute while being unmarked.
Lyka Teves then had a chance to double La Salle’s lead with a free kick, but FEU goalkeeper Yasmin May Elauria denied her effort.
Following Arevalo’s equalizer, the Lady Tamaraws had an opportunity to win the match, but Tolentin’s header during stoppage time went over the bar.
“Sa result na nakita namin, happy kami,” said La Salle deputy coach Jun Mark Saraga, who filled in for head coach Alvin Ocampo, suspended for receiving two yellow cards in their previous match against Ateneo de Manila University.
“Deserve ni Shai (makuha yung first goal niya of the season) kasi sa lahat ng tinakbo niya and sa lahat ng opportunity na nandun siya, at then yung right moment na yun – deserve niya yun yung goal na yun,” he added.
At the end of the first round, FEU and La Salle both sit atop the standings with 10 points each.
FEU claims the top spot due to a superior goal difference of plus-6 compared to La Salle’s plus-5.
