Green Booters clutch first win against UST in a hard-fought battle

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Booters (4pts) earned their first win against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers (3pts), 1–0, earlier today at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman Football Stadium for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 Men’s Football Tournament.

It was Alonso Aguilar who led La Salle to victory with his clutch super goal that made the DLSU crowd go crazy in the final moments of the game.

The match started off slow as both teams aimed for ball control at the first few minutes of the game. Both teams have strategized their defensive plays and made sure to keep their respective marked men in check and keeping composure in the early moments of the match. It was Captain Enrico Mangaoang who also played a vital role for the Green Booters as he made two saves proving his class and skill as their main goal keeper during the 11th and 15th minute of the match respectively.

Mangaoang then proceeded to make back-to-back saves after a near-goal attempt by UST twice at the 20th minute mark. The Green Booters responded by playing more aggressively, creating open scoring opportunities that put pressure on UST and disrupted their defensive strategy. Adrian Bacolod, Gabe Suarez, Vin Dela Cruz, and Paolo Go served as the main offensive unit in the latter minutes of the first half as there were numerous plays where the Green Booters had the opportunity to score a goal but was put on hold by UST. Nevertheless, La Salle fought valiantly up until the end of the first half ending in a draw, 0–0.

Going into the second half of the match, both teams aimed to score their first goal of the match as neither have yet to score. Both teams displayed tenacious offensive and defensive strategies as the game intensified. Multiple tackles and bumps escalated the heat of the match, which were eventually called by the referees. This would lead to multiple players from both teams having injuries as the physicality of the match have become too extreme, leading into numerous substitutions for both sides.

However, it was at the 89th minute mark where sparks finally came through for La Salle, as rookie Aguilar came in clutch to deliver the perfectly executed goal which eventually led to the Green Booters’ first victory.

Catch the DLSU Green Booters claim another victory as they go against the FEU Tamaraws on Thursday, October 10, 4PM, at the same venue.