By Angel Joyce C. Basa

Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraw Booter Len Cristobal delivered two goals to repulse the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Booters, 2-1, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 women’s football tourney earlier tonight, November 5, at the University of the Philippines Diliman Football Pitch.

The forward player affixed FEU’s berth against DLSU through early goals at the seventh and 28th minutes of the match. 

From the get-go, the green-and-gold squad showed early aggression in the match despite the absence of first stringers Regine Rebosura and Kyza Colina who are currently fulfilling their national team duties with the Philippine National Futsal Team.

Even without Rebosura and Colina, Lady Tamaraw Booter Iries Dela Cruz established her appearance in the fourth minute with a free kick attempt, followed by Cristobal’s first successful strike of the match.

The Morayta-based squad carried on with their feisty plays, forcing a midfield battle for the ball in the 20th minute.

With both teams exhausting their physicality in the field, FEU goalie Jessa Lehayan then caught the close shot of DLSU’s Maria Layacan at the 24-minute mark before Cristobal completed her brace four minutes later.

Midway through the second half, the green-and-gold team sustained their two-point advantage while Cristobal attempted to gun for a hat trick, but was consistently guarded by  green-and-white goalkeeper Jessica Pido.

At the 86-minute mark, the Lady Tamaraw Booters’ two-point lead was taken aback as DLSU team captain Stephanie Goñe struck a goal right at the 90th minute, 2-1.

With four minutes of stoppage time, the match saw back-and-forth goal attempts, but the Morayta-based booters eventually held off DLSU’s shots to tick off another dub for a clean 7-0-0 win-draw-loss record.

In an interview with Tiebreaker Times, FEU head coach Let Dimzon highlighted a celebratory moment she shared with the senior striker after her second goal.

“I told her that she needs to score today, that’s why when she scored, she went to me and we hugged because that was my challenge for her,” she said.

The Lady Tamaraw Booters are set to close their Season 88 eliminations campaign against Ateneo de Manila University on November 8 at the same venue. 

(Photo by Neil Tamayo/FEU Advocate)