Barbie Sobredo’s goal midway through the first half was enough to separate FEU against UST, 1-0, Saturday afternoon at the Moro Lorenzo Football Field in Quezon City. The match’s lone goal extended both teams’ current form, with the Lady Tamaraws winning their fourth straight match and the Tigresses falling to their third consecutive defeat.
Things actually started brightly for the Tigresses. They bossed around in the first 15 minutes of the match, but only in vain as they struggled to keep composure on the attack. FEU’s defense anchored by Lou Amita and Alesa Dolino ensured that it would take the best of UST’s movement forward to break them down.
On the other side, Ina Araneta had a couple of shots off target. This came as a warning for UST, who by then were losing control of the action. The next FEU chance was scrappy but it led to a score change. A scramble inside the box ended with Sobredo tucking the ball into the net. It looked to sum up FEU’s season so far: capable but underwhelming as head coach Let Dimzon suggests week in, week out.
It was more of the same in the second half. The Thomasians were aggressive in the opening minutes but were not able to sustain momentum to threaten the Lady Tamaraws. Nearly all of the scoring opportunities belonged to FEU but the UST defense coped with the champions better in the game’s last 45 minutes. The game finished with a single goal from the Tamaraws, sufficient to take home three points.
Dimzon, after the game, spoke about her frustration with the team’s frail offense. “Walang direction ‘yung passes. Puro high ball,” she assessed. Nonetheless, she appreciates the Lady Tamaraws’ perseverance in executing well on the offensive end.
UST assistant coach Mary Ignacio, meanwhile, commented positively about the Tigresses. “OK naman ‘yung ginawa ng nga bata. [May times na] nasa amin naman ‘yung atake pero hindi lang maka-iskor.” The chances of UST returning to the finals is dwindling, but Ignacio remains optimistic regarding UST’s title hopes. But the lack of experience is the biggest factor that may result in their elimination. “Kulang kami sa tao ngayon. ‘Yung nga striker hilaw pa kaya hindi din minsan mawawala ‘yung kaba.”
The result means that FEU climbs up to first, now three points ahead of UP, while UST remains fifth with a 1-0-4 win-draw-loss slate. UST must avoid losing their next game to stay alive in the hunt for a spot in the finals.
