By Earl Averilla
QUEZON CITY -- A Patrick Valenzuela goal at the end of the first half proved to be enough to defeat UE by the slimmest of scores even though Lawrence Colina missed a second half spot kick here in FEU-Diliman to cap off Sunday's UAAP doubleheader.
NU produced more chances in their face-off with UE as the Bulldogs were more dangerous on the counter-attack. However, the Warriors were able to keep up during most of the first half, that is until a momentary lapse in the defense provided enough space and time for Captain Patrick Valenzuela to ensure a goal at the stroke of half time.
In the second half, it was mostly a midfield battle between the two sides with NU still mounting the more clear cut chances sans the conversion. A foul in the box awarded the Bulldogs the chance to increase their lead however Colina's spot kick bounced of the right post keeping their slim one goal lead.
UE tried their best to seek for a precious equalizing goal to no avail as even a golden opportunity that was presented to them on a silver platter was ruefully wasted as Alberto Echin skied his shot over the bar with the NU defense absent late in the second.
In the end the Bulldogs got the crucial win.that put their campaign on track for a shot to the final four while the Red Warriors remains second to the last in the UAAP Season 79 Men's football standings.
Follow him on Twitter: @earlaverilla
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