FRESH OFF a two-month league break, the UST Golden Booters notched a decisive 3-1 victory over the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 88 men’s football tournament on Sunday, Jan. 18, at the UP Diliman Football Pitch.
With this victory, UST improved to second place with a 5-2-3 win-loss-draw slate, while Ateneo dropped to fourth place with a 4-4-3 record.
The Golden Booters dominated the opening minutes of the match with strong defense, keeping Ateneo away from their net for most of the first half.
After several attempts, UST star Trez Mariñas took the opportunity from the other side of the field, scoring an early opening goal in the 18th minute.
Ateneo felt rushed to score an equalizer before halftime, but goalkeeper Mark Daig stood tall to deny multiple attempts on the net.
UST captain Kyler Escobar followed with a second goal for the España squad at the 43rd minute, keeping Ateneo scoreless to end the first half, 2-0.
The Blue Eagles were able to regain their momentum in the second half, but were immediately halted after a miscommunication between their rookie goalkeeper Alfonso Loja and centerback Aiden Aguirre, who scored an own goal in the 51st minute.
Despite luck not being on their side, Ateneo’s rookie forward Liam Lanuza scored his team’s first goal in the 71st minute, but it was too late for a comeback.
The Golden Booters will next clash against the top-seeded UP Fighting Maroons on Sunday, Jan. 25, at the same venue. F – Marycon Badinas
