UP stays unbeaten in UAAP football

UP stays unbeaten in UAAP Football

by rick olivares

Tournament favorites UST and De La Salle drew 1-1 in the second match day of the UAAP Season 73 Men’s Football Tournament at the Ateneo football field in Loyola Heights, Quezon City.

Nikko Villa pounced on a defensive lapse by UST in the sixth minute to volley home the match’s first goal for an early lead. After a La Salle free kick, UST’s Ronald Batista-Ong nearly knocked in the ball for an own goal but his clearance hit the crossbar and ricocheted to Villa who blasted it past keeper Ramon Burigas.

But almost immediately after the score, the Growling Tigers, took control of the midfield and the game. The entry of midfielder John Reginald Caballero in place of Mar Mungcal added some firepower to UST’s attack with his crosses and pace up and down the wings.

The Tigers peppered the La Salle goal with 15 shots to the four of the Green Archers and in the 68^th minute, UST was rewarded when a cross by Christian de Juan was latched on to by midfielder Ronnel Lagrimas who poked the ball under DLSU keeper Patrick Deyto for the equalizer.

“I am satisfied that we were able to get a point off this match,” said UST coach Marjo Allado whose side also drew with UE 1-1 during Opening Day. “Natamaan na naman kami ng maaga,” he added also referring to the early strike by UE’s Fitch Johnson Arboleda in their previous match. “Finishing na lang. Sana sa mga next games may panalo na.”

Wary of La Salle’s scoring prowess, UST shifted from their opening day 3-4-3 formation to a more conventional 4-4-2. National team reserve defender David Basa was a rock on defense as he turned back time and again La Salle’s attacks.

In the main game, the University of the Philippines kept it’s unbeaten slate after midfielder Nathan Octavio lofted a high ball in the 49^th minute that beat Ateneo keeper Joel Faustino who strayed from his line. The rain and the mud slowed down UP’s attack which is predicated on its passing game. UP’s win put them at 2-0 while Ateneo remained at the bottom at 0-2.

“It was a lucky goal,” said a relieved UP head coach Anto Gonzales of Octavio’s score. “But I am happy to be at 2-0. It’s a long road ahead and Ateneo played us tough.”

Jesus Melliza rescued FEU from the jaws of defeat with an injury time goal to draw with UE 2-2. After UE’s twin strikers Arboleda and Gringo Bravo gave the Red Warriors a 2-1 lead, their team unfortunately relaxed and Melliza, just as he did against UP on opening day, scored on a late breaker. Jonie Lopez scored the Tamaraws’ other goal.

In other UAAP football news, De La Salle Zobel head coach Hans Smit was suspended for one match following the abandonment of the 5-0 loss to FEU last Sunday following a controversial series of non-calls by the referee. DLSZ was also fined Php20,000 of which the school can appeal.