Newcomer Reuben Lansing scored during a counterattack at the start of the second half, propelling the National University Bullpups to a 1-0 win over the La Salle-Zobel Junior Archers yesterday at the newly-renovated Rizal Memorial Football Stadium turf.
Lansing, one of 14 rookies in the team, struck in the 48th minute and handed the Bullpups their first win of the season in the opening games of the 82nd University Athletic Association of the Philippines junior football tournament.
The Bullpups, a team which underwent a revamp after losing the crown to the Far Eastern University Baby Tamaraws, played according to new coach Derrick Kim’s plan.
They managed to hold the Junior Archers scoreless in the first half. They finally scored in the first three minutes of the second half when Lansing got a pass from teammate Deo Tano.
The 15-year-old Lansing, a striker, went past defender Cholo Aguilar and chipped in an attempt past goalie Enrico Mangaoang.
“We had a good game today. Our opponent was very prepared. The first half was difficult because of their defense. But, in the second half, we played according to plan,” said Kim, who replaced Jose Ma. Aberasturi.
The defensive minded Junior Archers, coached by veteran mentor Hans Smit, got one decent attempt from striker Andres Aldeguer, son of former La Salle Green Archer men’s basketball MVP Dino Aldeguer.
Aldeguer was no longer around when the Junior Archers made numerous attempts to get past the Bullpups’ defense.
Jacob Pena and Juan Miguel Basmayor took over from Aldeguer as La Salle-Zobel tried to equalize.
Mangaoang took credit for deflecting seven attempts by the Bullpups.
The Bullpups’ defense kept La Salle Zobel from making a big run.