THE UST Golden Booters struck down last season’s silver-medalists FEU Tamaraws with a hard-fought 4-2 victory in the UAAP Season 87 men’s football tournament on Thursday, Oct. 17, at the UP Football Pitch.
Fresh off a 1-0 win against bottom-dwelling Adamson, UST moved to a shared third seed with FEU after earning nine points apiece.
The España-based squad took command in stoppage time as midfielder Archie Belluga coolly converted a penalty in the 94th minute to break the deadlock, 3-2. Rookie Kristien Elopre put the final nail in the coffin with a goal in the 97th minute to secure the victory.
Kicking things off was midfielder John Baito who hit a strike in the 39th minute to put UST ahead. FEU midfielder Karl Absalon then pulled one back in the 52nd minute to tie the match, 1-all.
In the 66th minute, Golden Booter striker TJ Garciano converted a goal off a pinpoint assist from winger Kyler Escobar to get a 2-1 edge.
But the Tamaraws responded in the 78th minute with a goal from midfielder Al Christian Galario, leveling the match at 2-all.
UST center-back Jarred Regis will be suspended next game after receiving his second yellow card behind a heated exchange last Sunday against Adamson.
After missing the last game due to a suspension, Golden Booters captain Miguel Abada notched 14 saves in the contest.
“The key to this win was composure, and the team motivated me… Of course, FEU is a strong team, and I did everything I could to save every shot,” Abada told The Flame.
“Even if I lose my voice, I just want to guide them…It’s all about teamwork, and my team gave me the confidence I needed,” he added.
UST assistant coach Arman Esteban praised the Booters’ drive as they claimed their second-straight win.
“The boys’ willingness to win against FEU was evident… The team is hungrier now, so we have to beat Ateneo to climb up in the standings,” Esteban said.
The Golden Booters will attempt to extend their winning streak as they take on top-seeded Ateneo Blue Eagles on Oct. 20, Sunday, at the same venue. F – Rishna Joy Maglinao
