UP struggles to break Ateneo defense, settles for a draw

The University of the Philippines failed to crack Ateneo de Manila University’s defense to settle for a goalless draw in their UAAP Season 87 Women’s Football Tournament second round opener Saturday, November 9, at the UP Diliman Football Stadium, Quezon City.

Ateneo had two shots on target in the first half, but both were saved by goalkeeper Eunice Eduave.

In an attempt to replicate her late-game goal against Ateneo in the first round, Chantal Van Ommeren took a shot inside the box in the 67th minute, but was instead called for a handball. Two minutes later, Angela Aggarao sent her near-open shot off-target.

UP’s best chance to score came in the 88th minute, when Hannah Muros found herself wide open for a kick from inside Ateneo’s penalty box, but she was ultimately met by Ateneo’s keeper Chelssy Casals. Her crucial denial of Isalyn Tundag’s late scoring attempts were also enough to keep UP scoreless.

With the draw, the teams each earn a point in the standing. Despite this, UP remains in third place with five points and a minus-three goal-difference. They are set to face defending champions FEU next Saturday, November 16, 4:00 PM at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

Ateneo, on the other hand, finds themselves ranked fourth, just a point behind UP with a minus-four goal-difference. They will next battle UST at 6:30 PM, on the same date and venue.