Lady Maroons nip DLSU side for football crown

MANILA, Philippines - University of the Philippines outclassed erstwhile unbeaten top seed La Salle, 2-1, to break through with its first-ever UAAP women’s football title yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Maria Angeliza Sta. Clara scored on a header off a corner at the 67th minute as the Lady Maroons seized control and quashed the Lady Archers’ fightback to complete their date with history before a good-sized crowd.

“It was a hard, hard battle. The first half was completely dominated by La Salle but we were resilient; the girls responded well from the break and the seniors really stepped up,” said UP coach Anto Gonzales.

The Lady Archers controlled possession in the first 45 minutes and launched  at least shots on target that UP keeper AJ Javier routinely saved as the two went into intermission locked in a scoreless stalemate.

The Maroons drew first blood five minutes after restart, cashing in on a penalty kick awarded when Sta. Clara was fouled inside the box by Regine Metillo. Cristina de los Reyes took the spot kick and beat DLSU’s Inna Palacios to make it 1-nil.

DLSU drew level 11 minutes later with Sara Castaneda converting her penalty kick off a handball infraction by UP’s Aira Agustin.

“We were very stable in the second half, compared to the first. It could’ve been easily 3-0 at  halftime  (in favor of DLSU) and I told the girls we’re still here at 0-0 so maybe there’s someone up there who’s watching over us so let’s not waste it,” said Gonzales.

The Lady Maroons dedicated the milestone championship to former UP footballer Rogie Maglinas, who died of rhabdomyosarcoma, or cancer of the skeletal muscles last year.

UP’s Monica Manalansan was named MVP while La Salle’s Palacios (Best GK), Metillo (Best Defender), Castaneda (Best Midfielder, Rookie of the Year, co-Best Striker), and Shannon Arthur (Best Striker) earned the other individual plums.