Mark Cristino/UFL |
By Ivan Saldajeno
MANILA--Tommy Trigo experienced some of his worst performances as Loyola's main goalkeeper in the second round of the UFL season including a six-goal barrage by Ceres and a last-minute implosion against Kaya.
But according to him in an interview with a couple of sportswriters, all of the heartbreaks brought by those events were completely washed out by a game-deciding penalty save against Daisuke Sato on Wednesday as Loyola held Global to a 2-2 standoff.
"After the mistake [against] Kaya, I was way down, but I gained more confidence with this penalty [save]," the Fil-Spanish keeper told the scribes after the match.
He, however, still thinks his journey is far from over.
"Today, I saved the penalty, but tomorrow is a normal day. I wake up; I'm still training," Trigo continued.
He also bared about the hardships of his position as Loyola's man at the posts after getting flaks for his off-nights against Kaya and Ceres.
"The goalkeeper is a very hard position. He has various responsibilities. Of course, I get criticized. It's normal. It's my job. But I have to keep working, get down, and play more," Trigo elaborated.
Aside from getting out of his slump, the wild race for second place, which could mean a spot in the AFC Cup depending on how the UFL Cup will culminate next month, was what on Trigo's mind when he faced off with Sato in the penalty spot.
Trigo said, "We can't lose in the match. The team played very good--almost perfect. I said, 'Wow! I have to save it.'"
The save led to the draw that kept Loyola in a tie with Global for second place with 32 points, although Global still leads Loyola on goal difference.
Despite denying him Global's game-winner, Trigo still lauded Sato, his teammate with the Azkals.