Birthday boy Liozo scores winner as CSB edges UE

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Birthday boy Daniel Liozo poked the lone winner for Benilde. (Ang Liga)
By Dugout Philippines

BIÑAN -- College of St. Benilde capped off the opening week of Ang Liga Season 15 with a close 1-0 win over the University of the East in Division 1 play Sunday afternoon at the DLSU-STC pitch.

In the lone match being played, a pretty even affair between teams from opposite leagues was evident from the opening whistle as they missed most of the clear cut chances that were given to them to open their Ang Liga season.

The Blazers started aggressively just three minutes in to the match by getting closer to the box but Frank Rieza and his backline held fort for the Red Warriors.

Then in the 26th minute, CSB had another golden chance inside of the box but Erik Lovitos was charged down by the UE defense before taking his shot.

But the Blazers persisted and got its just rewards in the 44th minute when birthday boy Daniel Liozo powered his way in the box and scored the match’s lone goal from close range as they went to the break 1-0 up.

In the second half, it was UE’s turn as the aggressor as they searched for an equalizer, but it only went either wide or stopped by CSB goalkeeper Jake Allen Vicen.

And the excellent job of Vicen between the nets, along with their possession game, was enough for the Blazers as they opened their Ang Liga campaign on a winning note.

“Andun pa yung rustiness ng team, because it’s our first time to play together since NCAA. Although it’s a tight game but we had a lot of good chances to score. Ang kulang talaga is we need to play more games,” said CSB assistant coach Alfredo Estacion, who filled in for Marlon Maro who is with the U22 national team preparing for the SEA Games, adding that they started the game slow and they have to fix their finishing problems.

As for Liozo, he echoed his coach’s thoughts that they dominated the possession game and he will not score if not for his teammates.

“Dapat namin ayusin is yung conversation namin between our teammates, disiplina at fitness talaga,” Liozo quoted, as he is all praises to Vicen who played for the country in youth levels.

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