Far Eastern University (FEU) edged De La Salle University, 2-1, on Wednesday night in the UAAP Season 88 women’s football tournament at the UP Diliman Football Field in Quezon City.
Marienell Cristobal led the Lady Tamaraws with goals in the 7th and 28th minutes, sealing FEU’s finals berth while boosting Ateneo de Manila University’s hopes for a historic finals appearance.
Ateneo currently sits at third with 11 points, just behind La Salle’s 12, while FEU remains on top with 21 points.
“I told her that she needs to score today. That’s why when she scored, she went to me and we hugged because that was my challenge for her,” said FEU coach Let Dimzon.
La Salle captain Maria Layacan nearly equalized in the 24th minute but was denied by FEU goalkeeper Jessa Lehayan, who also blocked Dani Tanjanco’s 69th-minute attempt. Stephanie Goñe scored La Salle’s lone goal in the 90th minute, but it wasn’t enough to turn the game around.
“The players have performed well in terms of defending and attacking, but in the last minutes, there were lapses. So I think the mental [awareness], we also need to improve,” Dimzon added.
FEU will face Ateneo at 4:00 p.m., while La Salle takes on the University of Santo Tomas at 6:30 p.m. this Saturday.
