A second half comeback allowed the DLSU Women’s Football Team to take a 3-2 victory over the FEU Lady Tamaraws in the PFF Women’s League yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. Kyra Dimaandal (86′) and Sara Castañeda (90+3′ penalty), as well as an own-goal from FEU’s Suettie Simoy (43′), provided the scoring for La Salle in its fourth victory in as many games.
Jovelle Sudaria (12′) and Mary Lam (44′) propelled the Lady Tamaraws, who were unable to contain the resilient effort of the Lasallians.
Slow start
An early goal at the 12th minute from Sudaria had La Salle scrambling early in the first half. DLSU earned several corner kicks early on, but were unable to capitalize on its opportunities. Several on-target shots were made by La Salle, but these were easily deflected by FEU. Several long passes were also made by DLSU, but they were unable to breakdown the defense of the team from Recto.
On the 31st minute, DLSU came close to scoring when Castañeda’s shot from outside the box hit the crossbar coming from a pass from Kyla Inquig. La Salle was in control of the ball heading into halftime as the Green-and-White was eager to equalize, with DLSU managing to seize its first goal at the 43rd minute. A cross from Irish Navaja found Thea Conception, but her shot attempt ultimately became an own-goal by FEU’s Simoy. One minute later, a miscommunication by the La Salle defense with goalkeeper Erika Turtur gave the Lady Tamaraws a 2-1 lead. Lam found an open goal and managed to slot the ball in.
La Salle head coach Hans Smit was aggravated with the performance of his team in the first half and the calls of the referees, and was then sent off the field at the 42nd minute.
“In the first half, they [La Salle] were not their normal selves. I had to do something, I had to sacrifice myself just to show the girls na the bench still lacked intensity. So I did not mind being suspended or being thrown out of the game, that’s our purpose, I did it purposely.”
Second half comeback
The second half proved to be even as both teams had equal scoring opportunities. FEU had a number of shots on-target, but were unable to get passed Turtur. On the other hand, La Salle had its own chances primarily through free kicks and also failed to convert.
Coming on to the last 15 minutes of play, DLSU desperately searched for an equalizing goal. A combination play from the right wing led to a much needed break for the team from Taft. A cross from Irish Navaja gave way to a shot on target from Kyla Inquig which was blocked by the FEU keeper. However, Dimaandal had a clean shot on the other end coming off the rebound to tie the score at 2-apiece on the 86th minute. The situation swelled for FEU in the latter stages of the game, as Hanna Pachejo was sent off after a perilous tackle on Kyla Inquig.
In added time, an FEU handball was committed inside the team’s goalkeeper box, thus awarding DLSU a penalty kick. Castañeda stepped up to the occasion in the 90+3’ mark and gave the Lasallians a 3-2 lead as she sent the ball towards the left post. The Green-and-White managed to hold on and seal another victory prior to the Christmas break.
“Like for last year’s UAAP, we were also on top throughout the whole league, but at the end we lost, so now we just can’t let it go. We’ll have to keep working hard in every game,” Castañeda stated. Smit commended the team’s character for being resilient and staying composed. “We won against the strongest team and this is what you call character, they [La Salle] did not let up.”
As of press time, next up for DLSU will be the UST Growling Tigresses on Sunday, January 8, at 4:30 pm in the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
