The DLSU Green Booters settled for a 1-all stalemate with the AdU Soaring Falcons in their UAAP Season 88 Men’s Football Tournament Round Two clash earlier tonight, November 6, at the UP Diliman Football Pitch.
With a strike from Sebastian Fronda at the 70th minute, the Green-and-White jumped to a 1-0 advantage, even after Adam Abela was dealt with a red card. However, a dramatic turn of events saw the Soaring Falcons claw back to net the equalizer 90+2’ minute with a penalty from Roberto Roldan.
Green Booters hold, amidst red card
The opening period of the match showcased both cautious play and early aggression from both teams. The Green Booters opened the match by building their attack steadily from the back, which displayed immediate fire and determination. Midfielder John Gaverza attempted to ignite the offense within the first five minutes but failed to convert.
As the match settled, DLSU’s midfield control proved essential in dictating the tempo of the attacks and carving out scoring opportunities. By the 10’ mark, both squads were gauging and measuring the other. Two minutes after, La Salle generated the first threat from a corner kick, but Lucas Aguilar’s header just sailed wide. The Green-and-White’s attacks were primarily focused on the left flank where they resulted in Gaverza’s nearly netted header.
The entire game’s complexion dramatically shifted when Abela received a yellow card at the 28th minute, which after a few minutes, was converted into a red card. With a man down, the Green Booters’ defense was instantly tested by an Adamson free kick, but they successfully held the line. The ever-reliable veteran defender Frank Labayen took on a much heavier load on the defensive end, highlighted by a pesky defensive stance and by well-timed slide tackles that thwarted the Soaring Eagles’ advance. Meanwhile, Lucas Aguilar continued to ignite the attack for the Lasallians but this led to non-conversions.
With the intense back-and-forth action, neither goalkeeper was given enough of a threat as both defensive stances effectively neutralized the perils. With the time extended to three minutes, the Green Booters executed a final build-up attack from the back, though the entry pass to the middle was astray. The first half concluded after a foul on Gaverza led to a missed free kick by Bacchus Ekberg, ending the half with a tense 0-all score and the Lasallians regrouping to face the second half with a one-man disadvantage.
Last-minute demise
Despite the manpower advantage gained by Adamson in the first half, the second half began evenly with neither side able to dominate possession. Ekberg continued to cause problems for Adamson as La Salle’s back four was able to outnumber their opponents’ frontline. DLSU created their first huge chance with a deflected cross that was redirected into the post.
Even with an advantage over their counterparts, the Soaring Falcons opted to keep their five-at-the-back shape which allowed the Green Booters to grow into the game. Captain Labayen also remained solid as he led the backline, standing firm whenever he was challenged by an attack.
With the game in the balance, it was the Lasallians who struck first. At the 69th minute, substitute Sebastian Fronda was left wide open and struck a defiant shot into the bottom left corner of the net, 1-0. Following the concession, Adamson abandoned their conservative shape and went with a back four for the remainder of the game. They continued to press the La Salle defense, however the white shirts remained resolute.
Having to play with a disadvantage for more than 60 minutes caused DLSU to fatigue earlier than their opponents, allowing the Soaring Falcons to create chance after chance. At the 90+2’ mark, a handball was committed in the La Salle penalty area which resulted in a clinical penalty by AdU’s Roldan, 1-all, just a mere minute before the full time whistle. Amid all the chaos, a red card was also shown to Adrian Apparilla of La Salle.
Following the last-minute draw, the DLSU Green Booters continue their search for a Final Four berth against the UP Fighting Maroons on Sunday, November 9, at 6:30 pm at the same venue.
