The DLSU Men’s Football Team took their third loss of the season after falling to the ADMU Blue Eagles, 1-0, earlier today at the Moro Lorenzo Football Field. The lone goal of the match came at the first half from Ateneo striker Jarvey Gayoso, who created problems for the La Salle defense throughout the game.
“I expected it (losing to ADMU). I didn’t have 50 percent of my roster because of finals week. My priority always is academics first,” said DLSU head coach Hans Smit on the result. “It doesn’t matter. Let ADMU gloat about this win. I don’t care. I’m not into that La Salle-Ateneo [thing].”
Early woes
La Salle looked to get on the scoreboard early on as they controlled possession, but it was Gayoso of ADMU who opened the scoreline on the 17th minute. A combination play from Mashu Yushioka and Carlo Liay found Gayoso, who slotted the ball into the net.
Rigo Joseph met a through ball from Gerald Layumas on the 38th minute only to be denied by ADMU goalkeeper Ken James at the bottom corner. The Katipunan team continued to rely on its defense to deny the Green-and-White attack and preserve their lead in what was an uneventful first half.
Continued struggle
Liay threatened the La Salle defense again with the first attempt of the second half as he fired wide of the far post on the 60th minute. La Salle managed to respond two minutes later as substitute Jose Montelibano ran down the right wing and found team captain Gelo Diamante, who ended up firing just off target.
DLSU goalkeeper Paeng De Guzman and his back four were busy all game long against ADMU’s attackers. In the 81st minute, De Guzman miscleared the ball at the top of the box, as it rolled inches wide of the goal, scaring the Lasallian supporters in attendance.
Gayoso carried on the attack as he managed to link up with sophomore Julian Roxas and Rupert Baña in their attacking end of the pitch. Nace Gonzales had the final opportunity to steal a draw for the Green-and-White from outside the box, only for his attempt to go straight at James.
The DLSU Men’s Football team has two games remaining in the elimination round, and will now try to bounce back in their next game against the Adamson University Soaring Falcons next Sunday, 3pm, at the McKinley Hill Stadium.
“We still have two games [remaining] and everyone has one more. We still have a big possibility to qualify [for the Final Four],” said Smit.
