The DLSU Men’s Football Team suffered its first loss of Season 80 against the defending champions AdMU, 2-1, earlier today at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium. After a goalless first half, Jarvey Gayoso was able to score two goals for the Blue-and-White in the 50th and 66th minute, while Mauro Acot scored DLSU’s lone goal at the 83’ mark.
Although Ateneo kicked off the game, La Salle was in good control of the ball throughout the first half. A few opportunities of breaking the deadlock were denied by the referees due to offside calls, but Chris Lawless and Gayoso both made sharp runs and kept both teams busy throughout the game. After a good scramble by both teams, no goals were made, closing the first half empty handed.
Gayoso started off the second half scoring just four minutes into play, faking past two defenders and slotting it into the bottom left corner from just outside the box. The game was then in firm control of the Ateneo side.
A defensive error by the DLSU side almost helped Ateneo gain in its lead but it was shot wide. La Salle had good attacks towards the goal including a free kick by Rafael Siggaoat at the 65’ mark that was just inches away from giving them the equalizer. Shortly after, however, Gayoso doubled Ateneo’s lead after beautifully controlling a long cross and putting it in the back of the net. La Salle scored its only goal of the day when Mauro Acot took a shot from the right corner of the box in the 83rd minute. It was beautifully shot with his outside foot.
When asked about the team’s performance, head coach Hans-Peter Smit said that the team performed better compared to that of last Sunday’ win against AdU. “They played their hearts out, they didn’t let up, and that’s what I wanna see,” Smit commented. “They made mistakes, yeah, they were scored on two goals first, but there are other stuff that you need to fix up but that’s okay. It’s just the start. They know what they can do now. So they have more confidence in their game compared to last year.”
Likewise, Acot shared that even though the team suffered their first loss, he feels that it is a push to motivate the team to do better in their upcoming games.
La Salle will look to get back in the win column as they face UE next Thursday, February 21, at 9 am at the same venue.
