Saturday, November 4, 2017

Ang Liga postseason race tightens

Before the Ang Liga tournament went on a scheduled break, the postseason picture slightly clarified with the Div I and Div II results that were completed a few weeks ago.

Ateneo de Manila took advantage of its light opposition on back-to-back days and pounded them to a combined 19-0 annihilation of Emilio Aguinaldo College and Perpetual Help System Dalta.

The Blue Eagles ripped the Generals on October 21 with an 8-0 scoreline, highlighted by a Will Grierson first half brace as he was assigned up front for the day due to Jarvey Gayoso's unavailability.

Gayoso would be available for Ateneo's match against the Altas on October 22, scoring four goals in an eventual 11-0 rout.

Perpetual would finish their Ang Liga Div I campaign losing all nine of their matches, as they head into their upcoming NCAA season.

The wins allow Ateneo to remain within striking distance in the top four with twelve points in seven matches.

In contrast, UE's postseason hopes were dented in a major way with back-to-back losses.

On October 21, the Red Warriors bowed to San Beda, 2-1, which was followed by a 2-0 loss to Lyceum on October 22.

UE were placed behind the 8-ball early on against the NCAA champions, as they lost their resident keeper Frank Rieza after just five minutes of play. Although they managed an equalizer through Regil Kent Galaura in the 37th minute, they would eventually allow a game-winner from James Pangasian in the 71st minute, scoring on a curler over replacement keeper Steph Dagaraga.

The Pirates would then ride on a second half brace from James Paul Dorego to pull out the victory, with the goals coming in a span of three minutes.

UE was stingy in protecting their back line for the first 79 minutes, before Dorego's attempt from the outside the box went in. He would complete the brace with an 82nd minute penalty after Carlos Conde was tripped inside the area.

The losses keeps the Red Warriors at seven points in five matches, while the victories improve San Beda and Lyceum's current standing at thirteen and seventeen points, with the latter completing their eliminations campaign.

In the lone Div II matchup, San Beda beat Don Bosco, 2-0, to finish their eliminations campaign with twelve points. The Red Cubs needed early second half goals from John Carlo Zulueta and Roejen Josef Sermese to secure their fourth win in the tournament.

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