Angelica Teves’ penalty kick made the difference as De La Salle University edged out Ateneo de Manila University, 1-0, in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament on Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Teves, a product of Negros Oriental High School, calmly converted the spot-kick in the 18th minute after a foul committed inside the Ateneo box.
For La Salle coach Alvin Ocampo, securing the three points was crucial, even though he acknowledged the team’s need for improvement.
“The objective really was to win,” said Ocampo. “Getting the three points was very important. They played badly, but they were able to manage the game.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Teves’ goal extended La Salle’s winning streak over Ateneo to 11 games, dating back to Season 78.
The last time the Blue Eagles triumphed over the Lady Booters was in Season 77, when they secured a 2-0 victory on December 14, 2014.
Those goals came from Aina Martin and current assistant coach Cam Rodriguez at the Moro Lorenzo Football Field.
In today’s game, national team forward Shai del Campo had a goal disallowed in the 52nd minute for offside.
Meanwhile, substitute midfielder Aliexa Mae Casi had two opportunities to add to La Salle’s lead in the second half, but she missed the target on both occasions.
With this third consecutive win, the Lady Booters solidified their hold on first place with nine points and a plus-5 goal difference.
Defender Maye Mendaño was unavailable for La Salle as she attended her graduation.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
La Salle’s next challenge will be against defending champion Far Eastern University in a rematch of last season’s final on October 30 at 6:30 PM.
“We have time to prepare for that match,” said Ocampo. “It’s back to training. Still, there’s a long season ahead.”
Meanwhile, Ateneo will close out the first round against the University of Santo Tomas this Saturday at 6:30 PM.
The Blue Eagles remain at the bottom of the five-team standings with zero points and a minus-5 goal difference.
