The DLSU Lady Booters secured their second win this season following a hard-fought conquest over the UST Golden Tigresses, 2-1, earlier tonight, September 24, at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub Field.
Goals from Jodie Banzan and Danie Tanjangco put the Lasallians in a commanding 2-0 position before the Thomasians secured a consolation goal in the 65th minute through an Ivy Tapiz finish.
Seeing green
With both teams entering the match with an undefeated record, the DLSU Lady Booters and UST Golden Tigresses wasted no time in channeling their intensity on the pitch. At the 3’ mark, rookie Jodie Banzon began to impose her tenacity as her corner kick struck the right goal post, only to be mitigated by the Tigresses. It was an early glimpse of Banzon’s growing influence, an indicator of things to come as she orchestrates for DLSU.
After a show of early aggression, the Green-and-White would show cracks, opening opportunities for the gold shirts to finally get touches on their side of the pitch. Thomasian captain Bianca Sy’s defensive prowess continued to lock the white shirts’ attacks down, but in fiery Lasallian spirit, it would be Banzon that drew first blood—refusing to give up on a deflected shot attempt to finally grant DLSU a 1-nil lead. Lasallian dominance continued to ensue, evident in UST’s shaky attempts at crossing the halfway line.
In their effort to double the lead at the 23’ mark, another set piece opened up for DLSU. A Banzon corner kick connected with a header—courtesy of forward Elisha Lubiano—grazed the back of the net only to be called offside, disappointing the Green-and-White faithful. With heightened confidence, the España-based squad conditioned themselves to be more intentful with their attacks, making adjustments from their previous mistakes. Come the 30th minute, UST striker Samantha Asilo would take advantage of long passes and create space for the gold shirts.
Despite the physical play, the Lasallians remained steadfast and squandered the Tigresses, allowing them no room to breathe. Lasallian striker Maria Tanjangco then displayed her ability in the penalty area to create a chance for the Green-and-White. In hopes of doubling the lead, Maria Layacan fired a shot that made contact with the crossbar. Undeterred, the Taft-based squad continued to squander the Tigresses, offering them no space to recover from the 1-0 deficit that became the first half.
Seeing in through
La Salle began the second half in similar fashion, holding control of possession and creating multiple openings. To counter DLSU’s dominance, UST attempted to play directly, sending multiple long passes over the Lady Booters’ backline. However, the Lasallians dealt with these attacks expertly, constantly clearing their opponents’ offenses.
At the 56th minute, La Salle were able to manufacture a promising attack as Banzon delivered a left-footed cross to Tanjangco, who headed it into the back of the net to double the lead, 2-0. Afterwards, La Salle then maintained their composure, controlling possession and keeping their opponents at bay. The Golden Tigresses, now in a desperate position, began to pour more bodies towards the Lasallian penalty area. The gold shirts finally created a goalscoring opportunity at the 65’ mark when a freekick was delivered into the box. Jessica Pido initially caught the cross but dropped it in front of an open goal for Tapiz to score a tap-in, 2-1.
Now with momentum on their side, UST searched for the equalizer. La Salle’s defenders were constantly tested with crosses, but remained compact in their penalty box. Possession was now even between both sides, which allowed for an open game with constant back-and-forth attacks. Eventually, the two teams felt the effects of playing their second game within a week, causing their play to become sluggish and messy in the last ten minutes. Despite the fatigue, La Salle benefited from this given their slim lead. The Golden Tigresses’ attacks were misdirected, and they were unable to manufacture a big chance before the referee blew the whistle for full time, 2-1.
Following this victory, the Lady Booters continue their Round One campaign as they look to extend their win-streak against the UP Fighting Maroons on Saturday, September 27, at 4 pm at the same venue.
