THE UST Golden Booters firmed up their Final Four hopes with a 2-1 victory over the UE Red Warriors in the second round of the UAAP Season 88 men’s football tournament on Thursday, Nov. 6, at the UP Diliman Football Pitch.
With its third straight victory, UST climbed to third place with a 4-2-2 win-draw-loss slate and eliminated UE from semifinal contention.
The España-based squad drew first blood in the 11th minute after UE’s Christian Tio deflected midfielder Archie Belluga’s corner kick, converting into a 1-0 lead.
Red Warrior Keith Hermoso equalized in the 15th minute as he capitalized on a loose pass from UST to level the score at 1-1.
UST found the back of the net once again after leading scorer Trez Mariñas netted his fourth goal of the season, connecting with a near-post assist by Kent Dela Peña in the 41st minute to keep the team ahead at halftime, 2-1.
The Recto squad was unable to find a second equalizer before the final whistle.
UST will seek to further improve its standing against the FEU Tamaraws on Sunday, Nov. 9, at the same venue. F
