The DLSU Green Booters successfully redeemed themselves from a heartbreaking loss by securing their first UAAP Season 87 victory against the UST Growling Tigers, 1-0, earlier today, October 6, at the UP Diliman Football Pitch.
Rookie Alonso Aguilar struck a last-minute goal at the 89th mark to give the DLSU Green Booters their long-awaited maiden win of the season.
Defensive clinic
After suffering a lopsided drubbing against the ADMU Blue Eagles in their previous match, the Green Booters entered the pitch with uncertainty yet also a drive to win. The UST Growling Tigers capitalized on La Salle’s weak defense and lack of momentum to bring all the action to their side. Team Captain Enrico Mangaong laced up as the team’s goalkeeper and was put to work early into the game as UST jabbed on consecutive attacks and free kicks. The opponent’s momentum was cut short, but not for a good reason, as Luis Henares hit the ground at the 18th mark.
Henares played a vital role in the Green Booters’ previous match as the lone scorer, putting the Green-and-White in a tougher spot against their current contenders. Paolo Go took the place of the injured Henares and immediately made his presence felt by infiltrating the Tigers’ defense frequently near the halfway line. Roberto Cruel also exerted effort for the DLSU Green Booters by clogging the Tigers’ attacks, including a header to deny Chris Valderama’s corner.
The Archers began to penetrate the Tigers’ defense, initiated by Vin Dela Cruz’s dribble near the touchline then passed to Go whose shot dismayingly sailed over the bar, thrilling the La Salle expectators in demand of a goal at the 33rd mark. As the Green Booters slowly picked up their pacing in the 38th minute, Growling Tiger Jan Baito struck a straight kick that missed the post. As the first half drew to an end, Dela Cruz and Carlos Andan attempted to convert goals while Cruel denied UST a possible goal. With both teams’ unrelenting defensive drives, the contest closed the first half in a goalless draw, 0-all.
Decisive minutes
The two squads put behind their lackluster performance as they entered the second half, starting with Mangaong’s back-to-back dives to prevent the Growling Tigers from gaining the lead. The Lasallians kept looking for opportunities to score, featuring Dela Cruz who drove a shot high and into the hands of UST goalkeeper Miguel Abada in the 50th minute. While there was substantial buildup in play between both goal-hungry squads, many shots were frequently unguarded, resulting in frequent possession changes between the teams. UST began to transform their play’s framework, primarily by player substitutions, and coach Alvin Ocampo of DLSU followed suit by subbing in Enrico Vecin and rookies Marco Ditching and Aguilar.
While the newly substituted rookies exchanged opportunities to strike, Go was forced to defend for the most part. Aguilar slowly made his play noticeable with a series of trials. From an unconverted cross assisted by Cruel, to an ambitious header while he was unguarded, and to finding himself near the penalty arc to successfully deliver a last-minute golden goal for the Green Booters in the 89th minute to grab the lead, 1-0. Although the match was closing in under four minutes of added time, Aguilar kept possession of the ball to preserve the lead and duplicate his efforts, but it was too late to add more. Nonetheless, the Green Booters inched closer toward their first win of the season, 1-0.
This match showcased a positive performance for the Green Booters compared to their previous defenseless play, and Coach Ocampo admitted to preparing his team for every game. When asked about the impact of Henares’ injury on this game and the upcoming matches, Ocampo shared, “We have players to fill in, so a lot needs to step up,” attesting the impactful decision to bring in players who have a grasp of their priorities, which finalized today’s victory.
Following this win, the Green Booters will face the top-seeded FEU Tamaraws for their first-round matchup on Thursday, October 10, at 4 pm at the same venue
