FEU 4-0 ADMU: Lady Tams boost Final hopes in 2nd half romp over Blue Eagles

Photo Credits: UAAP

The FEU Lady Tamaraws secured the three points with a 4-0 win against the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 85 Women's Football Tournament, at the UP Diliman Football Field this Saturday.

While already out of the running for a spot in the final, Ateneo had the chance to earn their first points in the tournament and play the spoiler role against a contending FEU side who had the share of the lead (with DLSU) before the match, on 12 points.

The Lady Tamaraw Booters dominated the early proceedings, piling on the pressure and the corners. But Ateneo's defense, anchored by skipper Patty Francisco, dropped to a deep 5-4-1 shape off the ball, holding tight while also catching FEU offside on multiple occasions.

There were close calls for FEU, with a Carmela Altiche header on target in the 17th minute. In the 20th minute, her cross off a free kick down the right channel was denied off the line.

Later on in the half, the Blue Eagles pushed back with a few chances of their own, Kassandra Zalamea leading the charge and pressing up front.

The match was scoreless after 45 minutes, and both sides looked to push on after the restart.

In the 58th minute, the yellow shirts had their best chance to take the lead but Dionesa Tolentin diverted a cross from Regine Rebosura over an empty Ateneo net.

The Lady Tamaraws eventually got their opener in the 71st minute. Substitute Elna Bongol finished from close range, after the Blue Eagles' defense were in confusion over an offside call that was not given.

They then doubled their lead in the 82nd minute through Katrina Magbitang past an undermanned and clearly weary Ateneo defense that was caught in disarray.

To add insult to injury, FEU then added two more in stoppage time. Tolentin got her brace, off a turnover, while fellow substitute Leofrance Gayapa made it 4-0 in virtually the last kick of the match.

The result sees FEU claim solo top spot temporarily on 15 points on 6 matches played, while ADMU's zero points put them at the bottom of the five-team field. Up next for FEU are hosts UP at 4:30 pm, while Ateneo play UST at 6:30 pm. Both matches will be played on April 29 at the UP Diliman Football Field.