UAAP: DLSU Men’s Football Team suffers heartbreaker to ADMU in penalties, ends season in third

The DLSU Men’s Football team lost their semifinal match earlier today against the ADMU Blue Eagles to penalties, 5-4, following a 1-1 result after extra time. After an Ateneo goal in the 36^th minute courtesy of Carlo Liay, Gelo Diamante responded with a goal for the Green-and-White in the 75^th minute.

After a scoreless affair in extra time, the game moved on to a penalty shootout to decide who will advance in the final. With a 4-4 scoreline, ADMU reserve goalkeeper JP Oracion saved an attempt by DLSU’s Jose Montelibano, inevitably ending La Salle’s dream of a repeat appearance in the final match. With today’s loss, DLSU finished the UAAP Season 78 Football Tournament in third place.

“ADMU deserved to win. They wanted it more. They didn’t have any clear attempt except that goal of theirs. We had all the chances, and missed them. That’s the way it goes,” said Coach Hans Smit on the result. “We lost our composure in front of the goal. It shouldn’t have reached the penalty shootout.”

Tentative La Salle offense

La Salle threw its players forward in search of an early lead over ADMU. However, the Blue Eagles managed to take control of the game midway through the first half. The Green-and-White gave up numerous fouls as they struggled to contain ADMU wingers Miko Mabanag and Jarvey Gayoso.

The efforts of the team from Katipunan were rewarded as they managed to draw first blood at the 36^th minute mark. Mabanag dribbled down the left wing and laid off the ball to co-captain Liay, who then sent the ball past La Salle goalkeeper Paeng De Guzman.

Greggy Yang and Yoshi Koizumi dented La Salle’s attack as they were dealt with early yellow cards. Yang was substituted prior to the halftime whistle for Jojo Borromeo as head coach Hans Smit looked to reorganize his attack.

The team from Taft continued to push for an equalizer but were left empty-handed at halftime.

Revitalized La Salle attack

Jed Diamante, who entered the match as a substitute, looked to open the second half with a goal. The rookie managed to get a rebound from Nace Gonzales’ shot attempt, only to fire inches wide.

Gelo Diamante managed to get the equalizer in the 75^th minute. Winger Jose Montelibano laid off the ball to find Diamante, who managed to send the ball past ADMU goalkeeper Kenn James from 18 yards, a feat that sent the La Salle crowd into a frenzy.

ADMU pressed forward and came close to scoring off two set pieces from team captain Mabanag. Gelo Diamante squandered an opportunity at the 86^th minute mark as he came close to giving La Salle the lead. The Green-and-White team captain managed to break free from his defenders and James on a counter attack, only to fire wide on an open goal.

At full time, both teams were tied with one goal apiece heading into extra time.

Extra time and penalty kicks

With thirty minutes added to the game, La Salle looked to press the action as they continued to dictate the match. Despite controlling the tempo of the game and forcing ADMU to play on the counter attack, both teams remained tied at 1-all after extra time.

Jhoguev Ybañez, Jed Diamante, Jiggs Cruz, and Gelo Diamante managed to convert their penalty kicks against Oracion of ADMU, who was put in late into the game after James suffered from cramps. Jeremiah Rocha, Julian Roxas, Mabanag, Paolo Alilam, and Liay from the Blue-and-White managed to find the back of the net versus De Guzman. The clinching point of the game came when Montelibano’s attempt was denied by Oracion, sending ADMU to the finals to play against the UP Fighting Maroons.

Members of the DLSU Men’s Football Team sing the alma mater hymn after they drop their Final Four match on penalties, 5-4.

A video posted by The LaSallian (@thelasallian) on Apr 28, 2016 at 5:45am PDT

“We’re La Salle. We’re La Salle. Never shall we fail!” Gonzales said in the team’s final huddle this season.