Green Booters draw with Ateneo, conclude S86 campaign

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Booters concluded their UAAP Season 86 campaign after drawing against archrivals, the Ateneo De Manila (Ateneo) Blue Eagles, 2–2, earlier today at the University of the Philippines (UP) Football Field.

To kick off the match, John Bengay seized the opportunity in the opening minute, slotting in an early goal off a corner kick from Christian Peñalosa, putting DLSU ahead 1–0. With the momentum favoring the green side of things, Ateneo endeavored to penetrate La Salle’s sturdy defense. At the 4:19 mark, goalkeeper Enrico Mangaoang showcased his defensive prowess, thwarting the Blue Eagles’ initial scoring attempt. Meanwhile, Kofi Agyei and Frank Anoh engaged in a fierce battle for possession dominance, while Fernando Roxas narrowly missed a goal attempt in the 10th minute. Despite Luis Henares bolstering La Salle's defense, Agyei persisted with another shot following a corner kick but failed to find the target.

With both teams exhibiting remarkable prowess in offense and defense, the match saw Luard Abba making a daring goal attempt in the 17th minute, only to be thwarted by Mangaoang’s agile save, tipping the ball over the net. La Salle took on the defensive mantle in this high-stakes battle, meanwhile Artuz Cezar steadfastly guarded the net against the formidable Taft-based squad. This defensive resilience fueled La Salle’s determination to challenge the Blue Eagles, making victory a hard-earned prospect for the latter. In the 26th minute, Marco Salud aimed for another goal amidst La Salle’s offensive efforts but fell short in his attempt.

Pomeroy Veloso entered the match in the 31st minute, only to see Agyei equalize moments later with a powerful header against three La Salle defenders, bringing the score level at 1-all.

Anoh’s spirited efforts to rally the Green Booters heightened the intensity, leading to an exchange of aggression between both teams. As halftime approached, La Salle sought opportunities to break the deadlock, particularly through Anoh, but Ateneo’s defense remained resolute, denying him space and thwarting his scoring attempts. Despite Roxas’ late effort for the Eagles, the score remained unchanged as the first half drew to a close, with Cezar securing possession to end the period with the score tied at 1-all.

To kick off the second half action, Paolo Go initiated a series of maneuvers, only to find himself swiftly encircled by Ateneo defenders, thwarting an score opportunity. In the 50th minute, Fernando Suarez made a daring shot, only to be met with a decisive block by Cezar, denying Ateneo another goal. The momentum swung further in Ateneo’s favor with Roxas scoring in the 57th minute, amplifying the challenge for La Salle to bridge the gap, leaving the score at 1–2 in Ateneo’s favor.

Despite La Salle’s relentless efforts, it was in the 74th minute that Mo Almohjili managed to secure an arduously earned goal, equalizing the score at 2–2.

As the clock ticked towards the 80th minute, a fierce battle for possession ensued, epitomizing the intensity of the match. In the 83rd minute, Anoh made a valiant attempt at goal, only to be thwarted by Ateneo’s steadfast defenders. A spirited effort by the Green Booters occured in the final minutes, including a last-ditch attempt by Anoh, but Ateneo’s defense held steady.

Ultimately, as the clock wound down, the DLSU Green Booters ran out of time, concluding a hard-fought Season 86 campaign just short of a clinching a spot in the Semis, 2–2, as Ateneo secured the Final Four spot.