The DLSU Green Booters opened the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Football Tournament in spectacular fashion as they took out the UE Red Warriors, 2-1, earlier today, February 18, at the UP Diliman Football Pitch. Senior midfielder Christian Peñalosa opened the scoring for La Salle, while Isaac Anoh doubled the lead in the first half. John Telin then got a consolation for the Red Warriors late in the second half as he headed in a free-kick in injury time.
Out of the gates
The Green Booters asserted themselves on the opposition early in the game as they showed off their composure and passing skills playing from the back. Their fluidity as a team paid off as they were rewarded with early chances for Gabe Suarez and Vin Dela Cruz. This gave way to Peñalosa who then broke the deadlock when he put the ball at the back of the net after a cross from the right hand side was deflected and eventually found its way to his boots, 1-0.
Dela Cruz then continued to put pressure on the Red Warriors’ goalkeeper, but his day ended as he got injured and subbed off for Anoh in the 24th minute. However, the Green Booters did not let this setback get to their heads and continued to dominate possession and pressed the UE backline when they lost the ball. Peñalosa once again made his presence known as he won all his battles in the midfield and by even drawing a red and yellow card from UE’s Jam Mariveles and Nur-Muamar Modin, respectively, in the 31st minute.
With their opposition outnumbered, the Green Booters took advantage of their extra man and nulled UE’s attempts to get to the DLSU box with their high press. The Green-and-White also maintained their fluid possession of the ball as they continued to frustrate the Red Warriors’ defensive plays. Their constant pressure then took a toll on UE defense with Anoh scoring on the counter from a solid pass from Luis Henares, 2-0.
Close, but no cigar
Bolstered by their first half momentum, the Green Booters continued their stellar play coming into the second half. Paolo Go’s relentless pace generated chances for his team as early as the 47th minute, with one particular chance leading to an Anoh run that was almost converted. At the 52nd minute, both teams suffered disappointments as a great shot by La Salle’s Mohammad Almojhili got caught by the UE’s goalkeeper while Palacio’s goal was ruled offside for the Red Warriors.
With two goals on their ledger, the Green Booters looked to slow the pace down in the next few minutes, their forwards Robby Cruel and Pomeroy Veloso anchoring a staunch DLSU defense. However, bad luck struck the squad from Taft as Peñalosa and Adam Abela both suffered injuries that forced them off the pitch. Feeling the pressure from the defense, UE continued to struggle with their offense, with Macaraig and Palacio firing shots way off target in the 67th and 69th minutes.
On the other side, La Salle continued to enjoy success with their offense. Anoh kept his foot on the gas pedal, going on runs that kept the defenders on their toes; in stark contrast was UE’s Palacio—settling on long shots that go way above the goal. Frustrations continued to grow from the Red Warriors as they picked up another yellow card, courtesy of Maghinay in the 81st minute.
With around 10 minutes of game time remaining, La Salle continued to push the pace despite their big lead. Anoh reasserted him being a terror to the opposing team’s defenders, coming inches away from another goal as his shot off of an Andan free kick bounced off the crossbar. After numerous missed shots, UE finally found the back of the net as Telin executed a perfectly timed header off a free kick in the first minute of extra time, but it was too late as La Salle ran out the remaining two minutes of stoppage time, securing the 2-1 victory.
With this opening day win, the DLSU Green Booters look to extend their winning ways as they square up against the FEU Tamaraws on Thursday, February 22, 4 pm at the UP Diliman Football Field.
