THE UST Lady Booters faced a tough challenge in their UAAP Season 86 season women’s football opener, falling 0-1 to the UP Fighting Maroons at the UP Diliman Football Stadium on Saturday, February 24th.
Fighting Maroons midfielder Anya Fuentes shot the first goal in the 22nd minute, making the match’s lone goal.
Lady Booters forward Gleydile Anuneovo nearly equalized during the 26th minute of the game, but her attempt was blocked by UP goalkeeper Frances Acelo.
UST tried to regroup in the second half, but UP’s strong offense-defense pattern and swift transitions proved too much to overcome.
UP’s midfielder Hannah Muros nearly doubled the lead for the Fighting Maroons in the 88th minute but failed after mounting an outside shot to UST’s box.
UST’s defender Grace Ramos secured a free kick, but the shot directly hit the hands of UP’s Acelo.
Despite having eight shots compared to UP’s 12, the Lady Booters struggled to convert their chances.
UP also dominated corner kicks, earning two compared to none for the UST.
The Lady Booters seek to bounce back as they face the FEU Lady Tamaraws Booters on Saturday, March 2, at the same venue. F
