In search of the Final Four slot, the DLSU Green Booters were unable to contest the FEU Tamaraws’ dominance, 5-2, in the second round of the UAAP Men’s Football Tournament earlier today, November 24, at the UP Diliman Football Pitch.
Al Christian Galario and McJay Naniel dealt a tough blow to DLSU, scoring a goal each just ten minutes into the first half. In response, Gabe Suarez and Vin Dela Cruz netted goals for DLSU in the second half, but Mel Baylon, Theo Jico Libarnes, and Marc Aivon Celis each contributed their own goals in response to decide the victory for FEU.
Tamaraws in motion
Hoping to boost their chances for a Final Four berth, the DLSU Green Booters sought to score against the semifinalists FEU Tamaraws following their defeat against rivals ADMU. La Salle’s captain for the day, Frank Labayen, set up an early opportunity with a gracious pass to Suarez. However, problems arose when Naniel swept into La Salle’s penalty box, outmaneuvering Nathaniel Marasigan, which allowed Galario to head straight for the goal just three minutes in, 1-0.
The Tamaraws’ desire for a substantial lead pressed further on the already battered La Salle. The balance turned in favor of DLSU in the sixth minute when Shaun Tong secured the ball but ended in a far-reaching effort as FEU’s Quintin Sanchez refused its entrance to the goal. DLSU’s advantage began to diminish after struggling in their midfield battles, allowing Naniel to slip through the defense of Jason Salavante and Prince Arthur Reyes to deal the second-straight damage to La Salle at the 10th minute, 2-0.
The Green Booters pressed to close the gap on FEU, but their next scoring attempts were miscommunicated as a deep-range shot from Dela Cruz from a Luis Henares pass sailed over the crossbar at the 15’ mark. In the following minutes, attempts by Tong and Labayen were easily collected by Sanchez.
DLSU suffered a major setback when Alonso Aguilar’s near-perfect inswinger was beaten down by Sanchez, who took custody of the ball. The Green-and-White had to resort to a conservative strategy, diverting any potential attempts away from their post. In the final moments of the first half, Rustel Justine Buenafe’s final play was denied by Reyes, leaving the score in favor of the Tamaraws, 2-0.
Force to be reckoned with
Fresh from the dugout for the second half, the Green Booters upped their intensity. Veteran Suarez started an attack on the right wing, sending in a cross that Sanchez swiftly collected, denying La Salle a much-needed goal. Although recovering from an injury, standout rookie Aguilar also launched an offensive play at the 56th minute, only to be met head-on by Sanchez. The aimed clash resulted in a yellow card for FEU’s goalkeeper and an unsuccessful free kick by Aguilar.
The game began to heat up and the Green Booters rode on in that high. Suarez charged down into the 18-yard box to deliver La Salle’s maiden goal. With FEU left perplexed, Dela Cruz capitalized on their offensive momentum and equalized the match at 2-all.
However, the thrill of La Salle’s consecutive goals quickly faded after Baylon netted the ball at the 69th minute, restoring FEU’s lead, 3-2. While the Green Booters pushed for another equalizer, FEU inflated the scoreboard by two late goals, courtesy of Marc Celis and Theo Libarnes’ quick succession shots at the 81st and 83rd minutes, respectively, making it a 5-2 game.
As if the three-goal difference wasn’t enough to quell the Green Booters’ drive, Salavante collided with several FEU players, resulting in his early exit at the 89th minute due to an injury. Having exhausted all of Coach Alvin Ocampo’s substitutions, Suarez was compelled to take on the role of goalkeeper. The then-10-man team of La Salle ultimately endured a grueling full-time to finish at 5-2.
Reflecting on the loss, Coach Ocampo remained pragmatic about their chances, “We still have two matches, and we have to rely on [the outcome of] other matches. There’s still a slim chance.” As the pressure mounts, the Green Booters are determined to keep their Final Four hopes alive.
Currently ranked fifth in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Football Tournament standings, the DLSU Green Booters will step up once again to face the AdU Soaring Falcons on Thursday, November 28, at 4 pm at the same venue.
