Joyce Landangan Era Starts with Winning Football Debut
Lara Regarde scored the decisive goal as De La Salle University defeated UP, 1-0, in its UAAP Season 89 opener. The Lady Booters collected three points in Joyce Landangan’s coaching debut while beginning another pursuit of the women’s football championship.
Lara Regarde Delivers La Salle’s Winning Goal
La Salle opened Season 89 with three points at UP Diliman Football Stadium, with Nicole Parallag covering Tiebreaker Times. Regarde broke the scoreless deadlock during the 56th minute, reacting quickly after goalkeeper Mariel Sancho deflected the initial danger.
The La Salle attacker reached the loose ball before UP reorganized and headed home the match’s only goal. Regarde’s awareness rewarded continued attacking pressure during a contest where clear scoring opportunities remained difficult for both teams.
Image from: University of the Philippines
Second-Half Header Breaks Scoreless Deadlock
Regarde’s winner demonstrated the value of continuing attacking runs whenever goalkeeper interventions leave another playable ball inside dangerous areas. Her immediate reaction ultimately separated two teams that had remained scoreless throughout a competitive and tightly contested opening half.
Landangan Opens La Salle Tenure With Three Points
The victory gave Landangan three points in her first UAAP match leading one of women’s football’s established championship contenders. La Salle secured the result despite leaving several attacking opportunities unfinished, giving its new coach immediate areas requiring further development.
Landangan praised her players for maintaining their effort throughout a competitive opener while acknowledging significant improvement remains necessary. Her assessment balanced satisfaction with the result against expectations surrounding La Salle’s continued development during another championship pursuit.
“I commend the girls because they worked and fought hard until the end. We have a lot of things to work on, but we’re here to learn along the way,” said Landangan.
New Coach Credits Lady Booters’ Work Rate
Landangan’s opening victory provided an encouraging starting point without disguising La Salle’s unfinished work around the attacking third. Converting more opportunities could reduce pressure on the defense when future opponents create stronger chances during closely contested matches.
UP Creates Chances Before La Salle Breakthrough
Dani Tanjuangco sent a late first-half opportunity over the crossbar, leaving both teams scoreless entering the halftime interval. UP midfielder Aurea Reaso also threatened during the 31st and 34th minutes after missing the previous season through injury.
The Fighting Maroons continued pushing after Regarde’s breakthrough, with Bem Aranas receiving another opportunity during second-half stoppage time. Ushin Valencia denied that late threat, protecting La Salle’s narrow advantage when UP mounted its final equalizing push.
Valencia Preserves Lead During Stoppage Time
Valencia’s intervention ensured Regarde’s 56th-minute header remained decisive after La Salle failed to secure an insurance goal. UP coach Anto Gonzalez was also dismissed late after an initial straight red became a second yellow card.
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La Salle Begins Another UAAP Championship Pursuit
The Lady Booters entered Season 89 seeking their first women’s football championship since winning the title during 2018-19. La Salle has since finished runner-up across four consecutive seasons, establishing sustained contention without completing another championship breakthrough.
Those repeated second-place finishes increase the importance of converting narrow matches while maintaining defensive concentration throughout demanding championship campaigns. Opening with a clean sheet and three points gives Landangan a productive foundation without resolving La Salle’s finishing concerns.
Four Runner-Up Finishes Raise Season 89 Stakes
La Salle already understands the demands of reaching championship situations after repeatedly finishing near the top of the competition. Season 89 therefore centers on transforming sustained contention into another title while adapting successfully under Landangan’s new leadership.
Lady Booters Turn Attention Toward Ateneo Rivalry
La Salle returns Saturday against longtime rival Ateneo de Manila University, giving Landangan another early test during her opening campaign. The Lady Booters must carry their defensive discipline forward while improving the finishing efficiency that remained inconsistent against UP.
Landangan quickly shifted attention toward preparing for Ateneo after securing three points during her first competitive assignment with La Salle. Her comments emphasized preparation rather than allowing the opening victory to create unnecessary satisfaction before another demanding fixture.
“I think it’s gonna be a good game. Rivals, of course, but we will prepare this week and see what will happen in the game. But definitely, we will come to that game prepared,” Landangan said.
UP Prepares for Defending Champion FEU
UP faces four-time defending champion Far Eastern University next, creating another difficult assignment immediately after Wednesday’s narrow opening defeat. Reaso’s return and several promising chances provide positives, but converting those opportunities becomes essential against another established contender.
Analytical Breakdown: A Narrow Lead, A Bigger Lesson
Regarde’s winner showed the value of staying active after initial chances break down and defenders momentarily lose positional awareness. La Salle’s inability to convert additional opportunities kept UP dangerous, forcing its defense to protect a narrow advantage until stoppage time. Improving final-third efficiency while maintaining defensive discipline could prove decisive as the Lady Booters pursue another championship opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored La Salle’s winning goal against UP?
Lara Regarde headed home the decisive goal in the 56th minute to give La Salle a 1-0 victory.
Who is La Salle’s new women’s football coach?
Former University of Santo Tomas standout Joyce Landangan is leading the Lady Booters during UAAP Season 89.
When did La Salle last win the UAAP women’s football title?
La Salle last captured the UAAP women’s football championship during Season 81, which was played in 2018-19.
How many consecutive runner-up finishes does La Salle have?
The Lady Booters have finished second during each of the previous four UAAP women’s football seasons.
Who will La Salle play next?
La Salle faces longtime rival Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday at 7:00 p.m.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from ABS-CBN Website.
