DLSU Lady Booters suffer a setback against FEU

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Booters suffered a defeat at the hands of the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Booters, 2–3, earlier today at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman Football Stadium.

In the intense battle for the top spot between these two teams, the game kicked off with FEU gaining initial possession. As the ball circulated between players in a constant exchange, Anicka Castaneda made a goal attempt, resulting in a corner. While La Salle concentrated on their passing strategies, FEU’s players sought to disrupt their rhythm and seize control. Despite Castaneda’s persistent efforts, FEU’s goalkeeper, Jessa Lehayan, stood firm in defense, thwarting any potential goals from the opposing team. Around the 9th-minute mark, FEU made an offensive push, but La Salle’s solid defense held their ground, maintaining the game’s intensity.

Alex Gumilao’s bold and repeated denials, coupled with Shai Del Campo’s deceptive maneuvers against FEU’s defenders, thwarted a goal attempt at the 21-minute mark. The initial goal for the Green and White was skillfully netted by Lyka Teves, marking the opening of scoring at at the next minute, 1–0. This pivotal moment showcased the dominance of the DLSU Lady Booters, who maintained their momentum on the field.

Both teams displayed formidable defensive prowess, with Judie Arevalo assisting Jonela Albino’s goal attempt and Gumilao halting their advancement. TJ Isulat made her third goal attempt in the 31st minute, narrowly missing the mark. As the clock showed 32 minutes, FEU persisted in their pursuit of a goal while La Salle continued to perplex them defensively. After two minutes, Del Campo was brought down by Janly Fontamillas, resulting in a red card. La Salle was granted a free kick, which Sacey Toledo took, but Lehayan deftly deflected the ball, preventing a goal for the opposing team.

At the 40:08 mark, team captain Inday Tolentin swiftly secures the first goal for FEU, leaving Gumilao unable to defend the ball and leveling the score to 1-all. As the intensity of the game rose, La Salle maintained their composure. Despite Del Campo’s attempted goal, Lehayan’s aggressive defense near the net prevents the DLSU Lady Booters from scoring, posing a challenge for La Salle as they strategize for another goal.

As the second half commenced, Bea Delos Reyes came in for Toledo. Teves endeavored another shot on goal, only to be swiftly thwarted by Lehayan near the net. Despite FEU’s attempt to seize control of the match, La Salle remained resolute, demonstrating adept passing and defensive prowess.

Maye Mendano then delivered a precise pass to Teves, who swiftly set up Castaneda for yet another goal, with the shot finding the bottom corner of the net as the clock reads 60:40, elevating the score to 2–1. As both teams showcased their offensive and defensive prowess, Gumilao likewise thwarted any further scoring attempts by FEU, showcasing resilience on the field.

Magbitang secured a crucial goal during the 68th-minute mark, leveling the game at 2-all. From there, Gumilao, displaying unwavering determination, continued to defend the box. The ensuing play then unfolded with fluid passing, highlighting both squad’s quest for dominance to avoid settling for a draw. Amidst this tension, Tiffany Trinidad seized an opportunity, netting a goal during the 86th-minute, 2–3 in favor of the Tamaraws.

In the final four minutes of the match, La Salle exhibited unwavering determination during the additional seven minutes, persistently showcasing their hard work to disrupt FEU’s defensive strategy and aim for a goal. However, FEU soon secured the victory with a final score of 2–3, after no Green and White shot attempts conversion.