QUEZON CITY: De La Salle University secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Ateneo de Manila University, with Angelica Teves scoring from a penalty in the 18th minute following a foul. The match took place Saturday night at the UP Diliman Football Stadium as part of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women’s football competition.
According to Philippines News Agency, the win allowed the Blue Eagles to maintain their position at the top of the standings with nine points and a goal difference of +5. Despite the victory, La Salle coach Alvin Ocampo commented on his team’s performance, stating, “They played badly but they were able to manage the game.”
La Salle is set to face Far Eastern University (FEU) in a rematch of last season’s final on October 30 at 6:30 p.m. Ocampo noted, “We have time to prepare for that match. Still back to training to prepare for that match. Still, a long season to go.”
Ateneo, currently at the bottom of the standings with zero points and a goal differ
ence of minus-5, will conclude the first round against the University of Santo Tomas on October 26 at 6:30 p.m.
In another match, defending champion Far Eastern University claimed a 1-0 victory over the University of Santo Tomas (UST), with Marinelle Cristobal scoring the decisive goal in the 75th minute. This win marks FEU’s second victory, keeping them in second place with six points and a goal difference of +4.
FEU coach Let Dimzon expressed concerns about the team’s concentration during scoring opportunities, stating, “The problem was their concentration every time we had chances to score. Of course, a lot was wasted. If we can capitalize on that, there is a chance that our ranking in points and goal difference will increase.”
UST goalkeeper Lizlie Garcia successfully prevented FEU players Kyza Stephan Colina, Carmela Altiche, and Sarahgen Tulabing from scoring, but the Lady Tamaraws preserved until Cristobal found the back of the net. Dimzon noted, “We had good chances. We are very strong in attack, b
ut their character in front of the goal and inside the box, that becomes our problem.”
FEU will face the University of the Philippines, currently in third place with three points and a goal difference of -1, on October 26 at 4 p.m.