Patriot booters score comeback win over DNHS, 5-3

Fueled by their desire to get back in action, the De La Salle Patriots United Football Club (DPUFC) men’s team came from a two-goal deficit early in the first half to score a 5-3 win over a selection of players from Dasmariñas National High School (DNHS) in their friendly match on November 17 at the University Track Oval.

Patriot winger Muhammad Gorki scored a second-half brace, inspiring the home side to victory while snagging the man of the match award in the process.

 

Sloppy first half

After DLSU-D goalkeeper Mico Roxas let in two goals in the first 30 minutes, the Patriots started their comeback trail with Patriot Renzo Marilla’s first-half injury time strike on a goalmouth scramble that reduced their halftime deficit in favor of their younger counterparts, 1-2.

Second-half fightback

Boosted by their experience and hunger, the green-and-white home side fully took charge in the second half with midfielder Mychael Palma leveling the match with a close-ranged shot that wiggled past the DNHS keeper, 2-2.

DPUFC formally took the lead for good in the 67th minute when John Ortega scored on the second bounce from Gorki’s free kick, 3-2. Five minutes later, Gorki turned into a goal scorer as he struck the first of his brace with a shot from inside the box, 4-2.

 

DNHS pulled one back in the 78th minute to reduce the deficit to 4-3, but Gorki concluded matters in the second minute of stoppage time, scoring on a counter to complete his brace for the final outcome, 5-3.

Aside from winning the game, Marilla expressed that it was “a great opportunity na mapatunayan ang skill and talent ng bawat isa sa amin (DPUFC booters) as a football player.”

After the thrilling victory, Marilla also shared that they’re itching to get back into competitive action after skipping last year’s Private School Athletic Association (PRISAA) Regionals tournament.