Pulling One Back
Ateneo 2 vs. La Salle 0
words by rick olivares pic by erwin cabbab
February 15, 2009Ateneo 2 vs. La Salle 0
words by rick olivares pic by erwin cabbab
Erenchun Field
The chase for a championship berth may be over for the Ateneo Men’s Football Team but they have for the nonce restored a semblance of the old order on the pitch Sunday.
The Blue Booters found their verve, their will to win, and the back of the net en route to a masterful first 2-nil win over De La Salle. Their win over their sputtering rivals was vintage Ateneo where the imprints of the last holdovers from the three-peat champion squads had an impact yet it also offered a tantalizing view of its future.
In the 17th minute of the game, the Blues were awarded a free kick some ten yards from outside the penalty box. While defensive back Luigi Meer is the designated long ball kicker, in situations like this, Ateneo Coach Ompong Merida called out to his team, “Ale. Si Ale ang sisipa.”
"Ale" is Alejandro Rivera, is one of the team’s five rookies and was adjudged Best Midfielder in last year’s Juniors Football Competition. Even before the end of his high school year he already knew he was Loyola Heights bound. In the first round match versus La Salle, he was kept on the bench, but since the start of the second round, he has seen more playing time. His goal off a free kick against UP showed what he can do, but his second successful spot kick guaranteed that the blue and white faithful will be hearing more from him in years to come.
The chessboard switch was a stroke of genius. While Meer is excellent from the corners (he scored a brilliant one against La Salle last season) and from long distances, Rivera has a nice touch from short range. The shot cleared the five-man long wall and curved towards the left and totally fooled La Salle keeper Martin Villaflor who did not even move.
As his teammates piled on Rivera, Merida took a handshake from his assistant coaches. A minute later, it was Gino Tongson’s turn to make an impact.
The fifth year midfielder missed the first round match due to illness and it was a huge loss since he always steps up to the challenge of playing La Salle. After beating his defender down the line, he laid a perfect cross that Anton Amistoso slotted in for his first goal of the season.
With better play from the defensive backs, the Blue Booters were able to keep their counterparts on their heels. There were a couple of more attempts that could have been translated into scores.
After stealing the ball from Nikko Villa, Rivera threaded the ball to Jolo Peralta who spotted Amistoso racing up to the middle to attack. The freshman striker found Gerard Cancio on the right side and whose volley missed the goal by inches.
A few minutes later, Cancio went on another glorious run but was unable to convert as his shot went straight to Patrick Deyto who replaced Villaflor as net minder early in the second half. But La Salle was not without its chances.
A foul called on Gab Siojo (who once more played excellent in the midfield) inside Ateneo territory resulted in a penalty and the Green Booters had an opportunity to pull one back.
Joel Faustino has had to grow up in a hurry as the accidental starting keeper for Ateneo. He has generally played well and has had more saves perhaps than other keeper in the league. Except that when opposing teams keep up their artillery barrage, a few are bound to get in.
When La Salle captain Kim Smit stepped up to the 12 yard line for his penalty kick, he sent a powerful shot down the right side of the goal. Only it didn’t fool Faustino who dived and sent the ball outwards for a corner.
Smit put his hands over his head in dismay as time was running out.
The Green Booters had an astonishing 25 shots on goal (keeping Faustino and the defense busy all day) but only 5 of them were of any threat.
After 90 minutes of play and three minutes of injury time, Ateneo reasserted its mastery over its old foe and more importantly got their first win of the tournament.
An apologetic Merida shook hands with DLSU coach Hans Smit, “I’m sorry coach,” said Merida. “I know you needed this game (to keep up with a surging FEU and pace-setting UP) but our team needs this too.”
“That’s okay,” replied the longtime La Salle mentor. “I expect nothing less kapag Ateneo-La Salle. Good win. Good job.”
A beaming Rivera seemed relieved as he went back to the bench. “I got my first goal against my former team,” he said. “I had mixed feelings during the first round pero not anymore. Hopefully, I’ll have more.”
And for the first time this season, no one stayed on the bench after the game. The stayed on the pitch, joking and stretching. Savoring that familiar feeling.
Match Statistics
Shots on GoalAteneo 15 (8)
La Salle 25 (5)
Corners
Ateneo 4
La Salle 7
Offsides
Ateneo 1
La Salle 1
Yellow Cards
Ateneo 1
La Salle 1
Fouls
Ateneo 11
La Salle 9
Saves
Ateneo 15
La Salle 10
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