Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraw Booters showed hunger against University of Santo Tomas (UST) Lady Booters, 2-0, at the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women's football tourney earlier this evening, November 23, at the University of the Philippines Diliman Football Pitch in Quezon City.

The Lady Tams were off to a quick start in the match as they created great looks for them in the early minutes of the game.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, Head Coach Let Dimzon emphasized the concentration of the players heading into the game.

“Very important ‘yung concentration ng players, kaya sinabi ko from the start is we already trained for this one (The player’s concentration is very important, that is why I said that we already trained for this one),” the head coach said.

These brisk opportunities by the Morayta-based squad were rewarded with a goal made by midfielder Regine Rebosura in the fourth minute of the match, 1-0.

In the latter part of the first half, intensity from both teams heightened as FEU and UST became more physical at the center circle.

With both teams showing determination to score a goal, the green-and-gold squad had a chance to score off a penalty kick in the 26th minute of the game but ultimately failed to convert.

Despite the offensive struggle, the Lady Tam Booters were quick to defend on the other end, concluding the first half on a great defensive scramble inside the penalty box.

Their missed opportunities offensively was pointed out by Coach Dimzon, who mentioned that it is more of a hindrance to the team.

“We have to improve ‘yung attacking plays, where it would lead us into scoring more goals, nagiging hindrance lang sa team, since nasasayang ‘yung opportunities dahil hindi nila matapos yung bola in front of the goal, (We have to improve our attacking plays, wherein it would lead us into more goals, since for now it only serves as a hindrance to the team, we have missed many opportunities because we can’t finish in front of the goal),” the lead tactician stated.

It was a fast start once again in the second half for the Tamaraws as they were able to generate quick offensive opportunities in the penalty zone. 

Despite these chances, the Morayta-based squad ultimately missed all their chances to convert.

However, in the 64th minute, team captain Dionesa Tolentin scored the Tamaraw’s second goal off a right side pass from winger Carmela Altiche, 2-0.

The team captain attributed her goal towards her eagerness to score despite the intense defense from UST.

“Eagerness na makuha ko ‘yung bola kahit alam ko na hindi ko matatamaan, pero prinessure ko po ‘yung depensa para mapunta sa goal (It was my eagerness to score the goal even though I knew there was a low chance I would make it because of the defense),” she shared.

This goal from the green-and-gold squad served as a jumpstart to make more offensive plays inside the box.

The match then continued to heat up on both ends of the field, as the Lady Tamaraws and Tigresses traded great offensive looks inside the penalty spot.

Even after missing a myriad of chances near the goal for the green-and-gold squad, the Lady Booters still greatly defended their 2-0 lead for the rest of the match.

FEU will aim to continue their winning streak against De La Salle University next Saturday November 30, at the same venue.

- Marcus Isaac D.G Bandong
(Photo courtesy of the UAAP Media Team)