THE UST Lady Booters missed a game-winning goal in stoppage time and settled for a scoreless draw against perennial nemesis Far Eastern University (FEU) in the UAAP women’s football tournament at the FEU-Diliman field last Jan. 19.
UST almost scored an upset against the Lady Tamaraws, but rookie Daryl Ann Mendoza muffed a soft kick, which hit only the goal’s side bar, from the right flank.
Alina Rose Araneta tried to score late for FEU, but her attempt was deflected by the UST defenders.
The España-based squad remained on top with 11 points via a 3-2-1 win-draw-loss slate, while FEU and Ateneo de Manila University are tied at second place with eight markers apiece.
Both teams started off rusty, with UST having only one clear shot in the first half. FEU controlled the game from then on as Jovelle Sudaria went for dangerous attacks from the left side of the field.
Lady Tamaraws Dawn Nengasca (68th minute) and Barbie Sobredo (74th minute) also tried their luck, but goalkeeper Zipporah Luna denied them each time.
“Our performance in this game was better than in our first meeting against FEU.”
“They had their chances and we also had ours. It was an even matchup,” coach JR Judal said.
At the Moro Lorenzo field in Ateneo last Jan. 12, the Lady Booters subdued De La Salle University, 3-1.
The Lady Archers scored the opening goal early, but veteran Marie Magdolot converted the equalizer for UST off a free kick in the 10th minute. Five minutes later, Jan Christelle Cleofe put the Lady Booters ahead, 2-1, with her goal.
In the second half, UST became more aggressive and controlled the offense. The final goal courtesy of left winger Niña Acuña, though, did not come until the 80th minute.
“I expected the win as I advised them to continue their first round performance. I also told them, specifically the midfielders, to take good care of the possessions,” Judal said.
