DLSU 1-1 UP: Reaso stunner steals the show, cancels out Goñe opener

Photo Credits: UAAP

Title contenders DLSU Lady Booters and UP Fighting Maroons shared the points, 1-1, after a heated and physical clash in the UAAP Season 85 Women's Football Tournament, at the UP Diliman Football Field this Saturday.

True to their billing, the Fighting Maroons and the Green Booters exchanged blows early on with some end-to-end action.

DLSU had the first clear opportunity with tournament top-scorer Angelica Teves hitting a shot on target in the 10th minute from the left channel and hitting the crossbar from the right side after 15 minutes. UP responded with chances of their own as the duo of Aurea Coleen Reaso and Andrea Montilla almost caught the La Salle backline napping.

A whirlwind of bumps and fouls later in the half changed the rhythm for both teams and would set the tone for most of the match. The Taft-based team saw much of the ball eventually, but the home side threatened from counters.

The Lady Booters took the lead in the 36th minute through Stephanie Goñe, her shot from the right side converted after a series of chances.

However, it was UP's Coleen Reaso who equalized less than a minute later, with a speculative shot from nearly 25 yards out looping over DLSU keeper Jessica Pido.

The Fighting Maroons came close late in the half after a hard challenge, but no penalty was given, to the dismay of the home supporters. At the end of the half, things were even on one goal apiece.

DLSU started the half looking the livelier side with two chances from Teves in the 50th and 55th minutes. Substitute Shai Del Campo also threatened UP's goal late on, with a counter-attack snuffed in the 85th, and a clear chance missed in the 89th.

UP's best chance to take the lead was in the 73rd minute after substitute Kamea Mangrobang went one-on-one against the keeper, but the forward was adjudged with a foul on the approach.

With neither side breaking the deadlock, it was one point apiece for the two squads. DLSU sits second with 13 points after seven matches, while UP is close behind with 11 points after six games played.

Both DLSU and UP have current leaders FEU next on their list, the Fighting Maroons playing them first on April 29th, 4:30 pm, while the Green Booters close their eliminations schedule on May 6th, 6:30 pm.