Powered by early aggression and a steadfast defense, the DLSU Green Booters fended off the FEU Tamaraws for a hard-fought 2-1 victory to remain undefeated in the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Football Tournament earlier today, October 11, at the UP Diliman Pitch.
Standout rookie Joaquin Collo delivered for the Green-and-White, assisting Uriel Dalapo’s goal in the fifth minute and scoring another for himself in the 82nd minute. While a stoppage-time penalty from Karl Absalon gave a sliver of hope for FEU, La Salle maintained their composure to clear and shut down the final attacks and walk away with the victory.
Early strike, composed stand
Looking to seize control early in the match, both squads launched quick offensive plays as they traded possessions in the opening minutes of the game; yet, neither side had threatened to score a goal. The deadlock was short-lived, as Joaquin Collo found a running Uriel Dalapo in the fifth minute, who converted a difficult pass from the left wing to put the Green-and-White up, 1-0. Just moments later, Dalapo found another opening in the Tamaraws’ defense, but was denied by Tamaraw goalkeeper Jetrick Fabrigas. Looking to respond in the 14th minute, the Tamaraws created an opportunity down the right flank, with Czam Acuesta setting up Dionesio Diaz. However, Booters goalkeeper Cesar Castro quickly halted the attempt before making another crucial stop against Zoey Flores’ header. FEU subsequently fouled Castro, missing another opportunity to level the score.
Tensions flared in the 24th minute as Diaz denied Ryne Doromal’s aerial pass which sparked a brief scuffle that resulted in no cards. Three minutes later, Theo Libranes earned a free kick, but Castro stood firm, denying the attempt and consecutive Tamaraw chances. On the other end, Lance Locsin delivered a clean pass to Argos Alingalan, who found an opening on the left side of the goal. As the ball was about to reach the net, it was kicked out by a heavily-guarded Leoven Gatungay in an impressive last-ditch save. Another confrontation broke out before halftime, as DLSU’s Isaiah Teruel and FEU’s Francis Sambaan got into a scuffle following an earlier altercation with Doromal. Despite the pressure, the Green Booters held on to their 1-0 advantage heading into a much-needed halftime break.
Physical grind
The Green Booters opened the second half protecting a 1-0 lead, deploying Lucas Aguilar to spark new offensive looks. While the Tamaraws attempted to dictate the tempo, the Green-and-White defense anchored by Adrian Bacolod and Castro built an impenetrable wall. DLSU controlled the midfield as team captain Frank Labayen orchestrated crucial interceptions, completely denying the Tamaraws any rhythm.
The match soon devolved into a grueling physical battle marked by several injury stoppages, culminating in FEU’s Nickos Mamon being stretched off the pitch. Unfazed by the brutal pace, the Taft-based squad kept their foot on the gas to find chances to add to their lead. FEU Coach Aber Ruzgal fielded Jed Francisco and Adrian Peciller in the 64th minute to press for a wider cushion. Aguilar nearly capitalized with a point-blank goal shortly after, but the Morayta-based squad’s defense survived the onslaught to keep the game within reach.
FEU pushed for a late attack, but Labayen continuously won crucial duels to extinguish the rapid counters. The relentless pressure finally broke the Tamaraws in the 82nd minute, as Aguilar launched a left-wing attack and found Collo, who buried a precise goal to secure a commanding 2-0 lead. A frantic and desperate Tamaraws surge in stoppage time yielded a penalty goal from Karl Absalon. But the Lasallians stood their ground until the final whistle to clinch the victory, 2-1.
Fresh off a hard-fought win, the Green-and-White aim to continue their winning streak in their upcoming match against the AdU Soaring Falcons on Sunday, October 18, at the same venue.