The DLSU Green Booters were dealt with another setback after succumbing to the defending champions FEU Tamaraws, 1-0, in their Round Two clash in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Football Tournament earlier tonight, January 18, at the UP Diliman Football Pitch.
The Tamaraws officially secured their slot in the Final Four as Selwin Mamon netted the go-ahead strike at the 76th minute, slimming down the Lasallians’ hope for a bid.
A half of near misses
The Match opened with an equal rush of energy with both the Green Booters and Tamaraws battling to gain early possession of the ball. The opening minutes passed by as both teams were unable to register an attempt in the first two minutes of the play. FEU were eager to notch momentum early as they began to breach DLSU with Amita showcasing an early effort in the fourth minute that sailed over the crossbar.
With both squads looking to claim their place in the postseason, heated exchanges soon ignited in the sixth minute as emotions flared between Team captain Frank Labayen and FEU’s Czam Acuesta. John Gaversa later earned a corner opportunity for La Salle but they would be unable to follow as FEU countered, briefly pressuring the Green Booters’ defense.
Despite the Morayta-based squad’s attacking attempt, the Green-and-White began to find moments of their own, testing the opposition’s defensive shape. However, Karl Absalon responded while Labayen stood firm to block a dangerous shot as the Green Booters collectively held the line. By the 31st minute, the match remained scoreless, with both sides struggling to convert half-chances into clear scoring opportunities.
As the closing moments of the half approached, DLSU pushed forward with more urgency. Aguilar sparked the Green Booters attack which forced FEU to concede a foul in the 43rd minute. Aguilar’s free kick fell short, initiating contact then going wide from the goal. La Salle remained determined to draw first blood as they were rewarded with consecutive, one of which nearly found the net before FEU cleared the ball off danger as both squads entered the break evenly matched.
Full charge
With the first half locked in a stalemate, the match’s intensity rose to higher levels to set the tone in what would be a physically draining half for both squads. The pillars of unbreakable defenses and counters which served as a foundation for the match continued to hold the game high, as each play strung together by the Lasallians would be put to a stop. Furthermore, yellow cards decorated the field courtesy of chippy plays brought by DLSU’s Neil Estampador and Lance Locsin, paired by FEU’s Mamon and Kian Niu. In the 53rd minute, a quick combination play from Aguilar and Locsin shed hope onto the Lasallian side, showcasing aggressiveness and precise attacks, only failing to convert with a goal. At the 64th minute, Green Booters Head Coach Richard Leyble brought out tactical substitutions as Goalkeeper Edcel Lauron subbed in for the fatigued Jason Salavante. This was closely followed by Rafa Castrillo and Lucas Andan stepping into the pitch, hoping to change the mix of the game. However, the match slowly turned to the Morayta side as they gained control, cornering La Salle and opening a couple of chances in the box.
The Green-and-White felt the championship-caliber control imposed by the Tamaraws. As exemplified by their setpieces, FEU chipped away and started to figure the Lasallians out. Eventually, with tensions rising and both teams giving their all for a goal, FEU would claim the edge over DLSU with a throw-in guided into the net by Mamon to claim a 1-0 lead at the 76th minute. With their backs against the wall and time running out, the white shirts immediately pushed the pace, only to come unsuccessful yet again. As the smoldering intensity of the match pushed players to their limits, with cramps and fouls scattered across the pitch, the contest fizzled out to the dismay of the Lasallians, who were forced to accept defeat after 10 minutes of added time that yielded no breakthrough.
With their Final Four bid hanging in the balance, the DLSU Green Booters set their eyes on redemption to keep their season alive as they take on the UE Red Warriors on Sunday, January 25, at the same venue.
