BEHIND THE tandem of graduating Golden Booters Kyler Escobar and Archie Belluga, UST eked out a narrow 2-1 victory against the FEU Tamaraws to force a do-or-die semifinal in the UAAP Season 88 men’s football tournament on Sunday, Feb. 8.
The victory marked UST’s first win over FEU following a 1-1 draw and 4-0 loss in the elimination round.
UST head coach Marjo Allado credited his team’s response after trailing in the first half.
“We were down in the first half, 1-0, but we came back strong with heart,” Allado said postgame at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
“The adjustment [in the second half] became better when it comes to attitude. And there, we got a goal and then the next goal,” he added.
The Golden Booters dictated the tempo early, creating quality chances through captain Escobar and Belluga, but failed to convert.
FEU capitalized in the 28th minute as league top scorer Selyn Mamon unleashed a strike from the right flank to give the Tamaraws the lead, 1-0.
Escobar threatened to equalize in the 36th minute with consecutive attempts, but he still could not find the back of the net.
The Tamaraws nearly doubled their advantage before halftime when Theo Libarnes rattled the woodwork, only for UST goalkeeper Mark Daig to clear the danger.
The España-based squad opened the second half on the front foot as UST’s lead scorer Trez Mariñas tested the keeper with an early attempt before being denied.
The pressure eventually paid off when Belluga fired a turnaround strike off an Escobar assist in the 54th minute to level the match at 1-1.
Escobar then put UST ahead in the 78th minute, cruising down the right wing before slotting home to give the Golden Booters a 2-1 lead.
FEU threatened in stoppage time as Mamon fired from inside the box, but UST’s backline produced a crucial defensive stand to preserve the lead in the dying minutes.
Allado emphasized the importance of staying grounded heading into the deciding match on Friday, Feb. 13, at the same venue.
“We can’t afford to be overconfident. FEU is a very strong team—very technical and their fitness level is high,” Allado said.
“For us, it’s really about having a good recovery, staying humble, and of course being grateful that none of our players got injured,” he added. F
