THE UST Golden Booters clinch their first win of the season after defeating the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 2-0, in the first round of the UAAP Season 89 men’s football tournament on Thursday, Oct. 15, at the UP Diliman Football Pitch.
UST improved to fifth place in the standings with a 1-0-2 win-draw-loss record with three points, while Ateneo moved down to sixth after remaining winless.
Both teams opened the match aggressively, with both UST and Ateneo trading scoring attempts on goal.
Ateneo captain Dov Cariño attempted three shots on goal but UST goalkeeper Mark Allen Daig kept the Blue Eagles at bay.
Near the end of the 45th minute, midfielder Novie Christian Paraiso broke the deadlock with a goal off a run-up play, giving the España squad a 1-0 lead entering halftime.
Three minutes into the second half, striker Renan Ballespin converted another goal off an assist from JM Pepito in the 48th minute to extend UST’s lead to 2-0.
The Blue Eagles failed to convert offensively for the remainder of the game, after continued defensive pressure from UST.
The Golden Booters will next face the UE Red Warriors on Sunday, Oct. 18, at the same venue. F
