Last time the DLSU Men’s Football Team played in the FEU-Diliman Field, it lost against the AdU Soaring Falcons, 0-1, in Season 79. The losing trend continued last Sunday as the Lasallians were defeated by the UST Growling Tigers after conceding two goals in the first half. Dexter Benecio opened the scoring in the fourth minute, while Steven Anotado further solidified the victory by heading in a goal in the 31st minute.
The latest loss by the Green-and-White will give it a record of three wins and two loses heading into the last two games of the first round.
Frenetic first half
The UST Growling Tigers controlled the game from the start as they dominated the possession and scored an early goal. Four minutes into the game, Dexter Benecio broke the deadlock and gave the Growling Tigers the lead.
Scoring an early goal did not stop the Growling Tigers as they kept on pushing on for a second goal. They limited the scoring opportunities of the Taft-based squad and showed great energy on both sides of the pitch. The perseverance of UST was rewarded as it found its second goal of the match courtesy of Steven Anotado’s header at the 31’ mark. Paeng De Guzman initially saved a free kick attempt but the La Salle defense failed to clear as Anotado pounced on the scramble inside the box.
Not only did the Green-and-White concede a goal, they also lost De Guzman due to an injury right after the second goal was scored. He explained after the game that three players fell on him that resulted into a back injury. “So parang yung likod ko talaga. Hirap maglakad.”
Steady end
The second half of the game was no different as UST still dominated the match, giving La Salle only a few chances of scoring due to their good defense.
Although a few players from the bench had been subbed in to replace players of the first half, it was still not enough for the team to pick up the game and score goals.
“We had chances [in the] second minute, we just flubbed it,” said head coach Hans Smit. He also mentioned how his first eleven were lethargic, but played better in the second half after putting some changes in the team.
Nevertheless, Smit commented that UST’s team is more cohesive and regardless, his team still gave their opponent a good fight and just missed out on all the chances they had. “At least it should have been a draw,” he concluded.
The Lasallians will look to come back from Sunday’s loss as they are up against the UP Fighting Maroons tomorrow, 9 am, at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
