Watching La Salle’s journey this season reminds me of the kind of nail-biting drama we saw in that Ginebra-Tropang Giga matchup—the one where Ginebra fought hard but ultimately fell short, 87–85, dropping to 1–2 in the finals series. It’s that same mix of hope and heartbreak that makes me wonder: can the La Salle football team navigate their own hurdles and turn potential into victory this year? I’ve followed collegiate sports long enough to recognize certain patterns—the way a team responds under pressure, the small margins that decide games, and the emotional toll of coming so close yet finishing just shy. La Salle’s situation feels eerily similar to Ginebra’s gallant stand. They’ve shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency remains their Achilles’ heel.
Let’s be real—La Salle’s biggest challenge isn’t talent. They’ve got skilled players, no doubt. I remember watching their midfield control possession for long stretches in the second half against a tough FEU side earlier this season. The passing was crisp, the movement off the ball intelligent. But then, almost out of nowhere, they conceded a late equalizer. It’s those lapses in concentration that kill you. In my view, it’s a mental issue as much as a tactical one. Think about Ginebra in that 87–85 loss: they executed well for large parts, but one or two defensive breakdowns cost them the game. I see the same trend with La Salle. They dominate possession—sometimes hitting 60% or more—but fail to convert that dominance into decisive goals. Against UE, for example, they had 18 shots but only 4 on target. That’s just not going to cut it in tight matches.
Another thing that stands out to me is their fitness and depth. I’ve spoken with a few people close to the program, and it’s clear the coaching staff is pushing the players hard in training. But when you look at their second-half performances, there’s a noticeable dip. Against Ateneo, La Salle faded after the 70-minute mark, allowing two goals in the final 15 minutes. Sound familiar? Ginebra, in that finals game, held strong until the closing moments before the Tropang Giga snatched it. It’s a pattern—a failure to close out games. Personally, I think La Salle needs to rotate their squad more aggressively. Relying on the same core players match after match is risky, especially in a compact season like this one.
Then there’s the psychological aspect. Losing tight games can get into players’ heads. I’ve seen it before—teams start doubting themselves when the results don’t come, even when the performances are decent. La Salle’s 1–2 start in their group isn’t disastrous, but it’s not inspiring confidence either. They need a statement win, something to build momentum. Ginebra, despite that tough loss, didn’t roll over—they fought back in the next game. That’s the kind of resilience La Salle must find. From my perspective, the coaching staff has to work on the team’s belief as much as their set-piece defending. Small victories—like holding a lead or grinding out a 1–0 win—can do wonders for morale.
Let’s talk about tactics for a minute. I like how La Salle builds from the back, but sometimes they’re too predictable. They average around 55% possession but only create 2–3 clear-cut chances per game. Compare that to the top teams, who might create 5 or 6. Their passing accuracy hovers around 78%, which is decent, but in the final third, it drops to around 65%. That’s where they struggle—the final ball. I remember one game where they strung together 20 passes only to lose the ball with a wayward cross. It’s frustrating to watch because you know they’re capable of more. If I were in charge, I’d encourage more variation—quick counters, long balls to switch play, anything to keep opponents guessing. Right now, they feel a bit one-dimensional.
Of course, it’s not all doom and gloom. I’ve been impressed with their young goalkeeper, who’s made some stunning saves—like that double stop against UST that kept them in the game. And their captain brings a lot of leadership, something you can’t quantify but absolutely feel on the pitch. Still, individual brilliance can only take you so far. Football is a team sport, and until La Salle finds a way to gel consistently over 90 minutes, they’ll keep ending up like Ginebra—putting up a fight but falling just short.
So, can they overcome these challenges? I believe they can, but it won’t be easy. They need to tighten up defensively, be more clinical in front of goal, and maybe get a little luck along the way. If they learn from losses the way Ginebra likely did—using that 87–85 heartbreak as fuel—then there’s every chance they turn this season around. But time is running out, and in football, as in life, opportunities don’t wait forever. Here’s hoping La Salle seizes theirs before it’s too late.
