UP racks up fourth straight win; DLSU stays within striking distance

Federico Rabaya scores on FEU.

UP racks up fourth straight win; DLSU stays within striking distance

by rick olivares

The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons picked up a 1-0 victory over the University of the East to stay unbeaten in the UAAP Season 73 Men’s Football Tournament at the Ateneo de Manila football fields yesterday January 27, 2011.

Midfielder Stephen Permanes picked up a lob pass from wingman Nathan Octavio inside the box to volley a wicked shot past UE keeper Robert Martos in the 59^th minute.

UP’s opportunistic offense put UE on the defensive right from the opening whistle as they played a cautious 4-3-3 formation as they were without suspended striker Gringo Bravo. Wary of UP’s attack, Red Warriors head coach Erwin Briones moved midfielder Fitch Johnson Arboleda to the back four. Without his brother and Bravo behind him, Fitch Florence Arboleda had to oft carry the attack alone. In the 79^th minute, Arboleda had an opportunity to draw UE level following an Octavio foul inside the box that led to a penalty kick. But the UE striker, already suffering from cramps, misplayed his shot that had no chance of finding the back of the net.

Frank Muescan, who skippered Global FC to the United Football League Cup two weeks ago and is co-head coach for the Maroons, steered UP in the absence of the suspended Anto Gonzales (who was out sent off in the win against UST for excessive complaining), said, “Our key to winning to making sure that we had control over the midfield. It made it easier for us to attack. But we also got lucky that Arboleda missed the penalty. We’ll take the win of course.”

In the main match of the day, second-running De La Salle University stayed within striking distance of UP with a 2-0 win over defending champion FEU. Striker Federico Rabaya scored a brace for the Green Archers with the first coming in the 7^th minute when he snared a long ball over three Tamaraw defenders that he slotted past FEU keeper Leoben Wayco. In the 50^th minute, Rabaya headed the ball in following a cross to further bury the Morayta-based eleven.

In the other match, UST finally barged into the win column after two draws and a loss with a vengeful 4-0 win over hapless Ateneo.

La Salle and UP, pre-tournament favorites to contend for the UAAP football crown, collide this coming Sunday, January 30 at 10am at the Ateneo football field.

With Match Commissioner (and former Ateneo keeper) Jerry Ngo and FEU head coach Adolfo Alicante. Below with UAAP football officials and referees. Both pics taken during today's matches.