In what turned out to be a heated affair, the DLSU Men’s Football Team came out on top, winning 1-0 against the FEU Tamaraws, owing it to Bernaldez’s late goal in the 89th minute which sealed the deal for the Green-and-White. La Salle now moves up to third place, with a game against UP next week. This being the second win of DLSU versus them, the Tamaraws failed to get their comeback win and gave in to their frustrations in the dying moments of the game.
The game went both ways as both teams got their chances to attack and show a great display of counter attacks. Keepers from both sides had spectacular saves, keeping the score to just 1-0.
Swaying first half
The first half kicked off with FEU setting the tempo of the game, trying to keep the ball with them as much as possible. The possession was in their favor for the opening moments of the match, as they kept mounting the pressure, earning free kicks near the box and giving way to a lot of chances. Fifteen minutes into the game, FEU got its first chance to attack as Mendoza received a wonderful through ball, just to end up mishitting it.
In the 19th minute of the game, Chris Lawless was played a long through ball, which ended with him colliding with the FEU keeper. The keeper stayed on the ground, from what looked to be a serious injury and was eventually carried off on the stretcher. FEU made some changes in the squad and subbed off the injured keeper for midfielder Amita, and Joyel put on the gloves to keep.
Fresh legs Amiel and right wing Jung seemed to play the important role in the FEU attack, setting up chances which the strikers failed to convert. In the 29th minute, Amiel played a perfectly chipped through ball to the striker, who took too long to strike, and the DLSU keeper ran up to make the save.
DLSU received a free kick in the 37th minute, struck by team captain Noel Brago deep into the box causing a scramble. The La Salle attackers failed to take advantage of the situation and the danger was cleared by the FEU defense, leading to a counter attack which was played straight to Jung, who tried to pass it inside the box for the easy goal, but ended up getting intercepted by the quick recovery of the DLSU defenders.
Late into the first half, DLSU showed some fire as Mathew Custodio received a high ball, shouldering it to Perez who slid it back to Custodio, whose shot was saved by FEU keeper Joyel. A few minutes after that attack, Perez, showing some quick feet on the left flank, got past two defenders and crossed the ball in, with no one on the receiving end of it.
Tensions flare
Both teams came back into the second half with more desire and looked to attack right as the whistle sounded. DLSU kicked it off and Custodio got the first shot of the half right away after receiving a through ball, failing to keep it down.
FEU answered back as the quick feet of Jung helped him get past two DLSU defenders, getting fouled on his way to the goal. Both teams got their fair share at shots at the goal, but both sides failed to concert. Striker Custodio and midfielder Zubiri failed to convert a number a couple of chances.
The frustrations seemed to set into the players and the game began to get more physical. Halfway through the second half, DLSU received a free kick, powered by Custodio, who shot it high. FEU was also granted a number of free kicks near the DLSU box, with none falling in place.
After failing to convert, both sides seemed to be eager for the win. The deciding moment came at the 89th minute, as a low cross by Rafael Siggaoat was met by Jeremiah Bernaldez ,who slotted it in the back of the net. When asked about his first goal of the season, Bernaldez said, “Obviously, I’m really happy that I was able to get that goal. Also I’m happy not because I scored the goal but I gave La Salle the three points that we have now that we’ve won. We’re already in third place so yeah, I’m happy.”
The game seemed to be done, as the very next play saw Arnel Amita sent off after committing a hard foul and receiving his second yellow of the game. He was received by an outburst from the crowd and the DLSU coaches and bench. The DLSU and FEU bench went at it verbally, but were controlled by the officials.
When asked about the incident , head coach Hans Smit said, “It happens, he’s been doing that ever since. No matter what, these are kids. FEU’s been on top for so long, now that they…it’s frustrating, of course. It’s part of the game, tempers will flare up, they held back, they had their chances, they flubbed their chances, that adds up more to the frustration. I understand that.”
Smit had some kind words to say about center back Noel Brago and keeper Paeng de Guzman when asked about keeping FEU to a clean sheet. “It is very hard to replace Noel Brago. I’ve been looking for a replacement since last year. Noel is one big part of the defense and Paeng of course. It’s both their last seasons, hopefully they continue with their stand out games.”
With DLSU placed at third on the table, it is looking to keep their spot in the top four as it plays against UP this coming Thursday, 4 pm at FEU FERN.
