Bem Aranas and Aurea Reaso found the back of the net as the University of the Philippines moved National University to the brink of elimination in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament with a 2-0 victory on Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
The Fighting Maroons, now riding a four-match winning streak, broke the deadlock in the 15th minute when Aranas capitalized on the Lady Bulldogs’ failed clearance of Gebeth Estember’s initial attempt, slotting home a composed finish.
Substitute midfielder Reaso then doubled UP’s lead in the 66th minute, converting a free kick from the left flank just outside the box to beat NU goalkeeper Quenie Magarso.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
On the other hand, the Lady Bulldogs’ best chance to score their first-ever goal came in the first half, when Steffanie Escalante’s attempt went straight to Fighting Maroons goalkeeper Mariel Sancho.
Despite the victory, UP coach Anto Gonzales felt that his team fell short of the standard needed moving forward.
“Um, not the performance that we wanted, no, going into the next match, which is FEU,” said the former national team player.
“Actually, first half, I think we controlled the game, all right — better than our first match. But in terms of chance creation, meron, but not as much, no? Second half, the game-changers did not have much of a positive impact, you know? That kind of effort will not do against FEU.”
The win lifted UP to third place in the standings with 12 points and a plus-3 goal difference, leapfrogging neighboring Ateneo de Manila University, which was scheduled to face archrival De La Salle University later at 7 p.m.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Although less lopsided than their 5-0 first-round defeat to the Fighting Maroons on October 3, the loss left the Lady Bulldogs with a maximum possible tally of nine points with three matches remaining.
NU’s postseason hopes now hang in the balance, as even a single point for Ateneo later in the day would officially eliminate the Lady Bulldogs.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with NU opening the triple-header against De La Salle University at 2 p.m. before UP takes on Far Eastern University at 7 p.m.
