The University of the Philippines Women’s Football Team kicked off their University Athletics Association of the Philippines Season 89 campaign with grit and determination, but failed to secure a win against the De La Salle University Lady Booters, 0-1, Sept. 23 at the UP Diliman Football Pitch.
A tight battle ensued between the two teams during the first half, with Maroon slightly edging Green with four against two shots, and one versus zero shots on target. Both had two corners each.
A UP infraction in the 55th minute spelled the difference for its opponent. Bem Aranas was called for a foul against DLSU’s Stephanie Goñe, and Jodie Banzon took the free kick. Maroon goalkeeper Mariel Sancho deflected it, but DLSU’s Lara Amante successfully headed the ball home in the 56th minute.
Emotions ran high toward the end of the game after the Maroon side contested a non-call on the handball of Green booter Ushin Valencia inside the penalty area at the 90+5’ mark. For his repeated protestations, UP Head Coach Anto Gonzales was given a yellow card, then a red card by referee Chrismel Cayabyab, which resulted in him being escorted out of the playing area. Gonzales was called back a bit later as his red card was downgraded to a second yellow card, which still resulted in his ejection in the last minute of stoppage time.
UPWFT ended the match with eight shots against DLSU’s seven; stayed even with three shots on target; and had one more corner versus the opponent’s three. Unfortunately for the Fighting Maroons, only their side incurred penalty cards — which may result in Gonzales sitting out the team’s next match against reigning champion, Far Eastern University, at 4:30pm today, Sept. 26 at the UPD pitch.
