By Vince Matthew Jaramilla

Despite coming off the bench at the 74-minute mark, Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraw Booter Len Cristobal delivered a timely strike in just the next minute to fend off the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Lady Booters, 1-0, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women's football tournament earlier today, October 19, at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman Football Pitch in Quezon City.

In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, the forward expressed her desire to leave a mark in the game as a bench player.

"Kanina pa ‘ko kating-kating pumasok and sabi ko talaga, pagpasok ko, kailangan kong mag-score or assist. Kailangan magkaroon ako ng impact sa loob kasi 'yun 'yung kailangan namin as second-stringer[s] (I was itching to enter the game and I told myself that once I enter the game, I need to score or assist. I need to have an impact inside because that's what's needed from us as second-stringers)," she said.

Both teams opened with physicality as players were already colliding in the 2nd minute.

Despite the intensity, FEU utilized accurate passing to keep the ball in UST's side of the field for the majority of the opening half.

The Lady Tamaraws' offense produced several close looks including corner and free kicks, but halftime came with both teams still scoreless.

In the second half, the same physical bout played out with the two schools still looking to score.

A promising attempt from the green-and-gold squad came in the 58th minute, producing two shots on target. However, UST's goal remained impenetrable.

In the succeeding minutes, the Morayta strikers rallied more shots on target, but the España-based defense snuffed out every single one.

With a battle of attrition taking place and a draw seemingly in sight, FEU defender Janly Fontamillas dished off a cross-field pass from the right to an open Cristobal upfront UST's goal. The forward finished the play, finally breaking through the tight defenses.

The goal was enough to seal the game as the green-and-gold squad solidified their defense until the final whistle, 1-0.

In another interview, FEU head coach Let Dimzon highlighted the confidence Cristobal brought into the game.

"Si Len kasi, maayos siya pagdating sa touches 'tsaka sa scoring… 'Yung confidence niya talaga na magsiyu-shoot, nandu'n. Ayun 'yung naging kulang namin sa first half (Len is good when it comes to touches and scoring… Her confidence in shooting is really there. That's what we lacked during the first half)," she shared.

The lead tactician then mentioned their need for improvement in passing and finishing plays to have better chances in their upcoming games.

"Kailangan naming maayos 'yung work sa taas. Kung 'yung final passes and 'yung delivery ng bola in front of the goal, maayos namin, malaki 'yung chances namin sa next two games namin. But hindi magre-relax kasi bilog ang bola (We need to fix our work up top. If we fix the final passes and the delivery of the ball in front of the goal, our chances our high in the next two games. But we will not relax because the ball is round)," she added.

Now with a 2-0-0 win-draw-loss card, the Dimzon-led squad will aim to protect their clean record in their match contra UP next Saturday, October 26, at the same venue.

(Photo by James Neil Tamayo/FEU Advocate)