DEFENDING CHAMPIONS UST Junior Golden Booters stormed into a third straight finals appearance after eliminating the DLSZ Junior Green Booters, 2-1, in the UAAP Season 88 boys’ football semifinals on Saturday, March 28, at the UP Diliman Football Pitch.
The España-based squad dominated possession from the opening whistle, while creating early chances through usual scorers Argos Alingalan and Josh Moleje.
UST struck first in the 30th minute when Roy Panunciar’s shot took a deflection and fell to Moleje, who reacted quickest and buried the rebound into the lower right corner for a 1-0 lead.
But DLSZ responded four minutes later after a defensive lapse inside the box allowed rookie Iñigo Ramirez space to spark the equalizer, with Andre Tongson providing the assist as the Junior Archers pulled level, 1-1.
Alingalan nearly restored UST’s lead before halftime, getting on the end of a Joshua Balliner assist, but his effort was comfortably dealt with by graduating DLSZ goalkeeper Jacob Salvante.
DLSZ threatened early in the second half as Javier Gayoso found himself unmarked inside the box following a defensive lapse in the 48th minute, but his effort sailed over the bar.
UST regained control in the 57th minute as Panunciar timed his run to perfection, beating the offside trap before unleashing a rocket that kissed the woodwork on its way in, scoring his fourth goal of the season for a 2-1 edge.
UST kept the pressure on midway through the half, with Al Orteza and John Visitacion testing the DLSZ goalkeeper Salvante, who came up with a string of crucial saves to keep the Junior Green Booters within reach.
Panunciar looked poised to double his tally in the 75th minute after once again breaking free of the offside line, but his attempt rattled the woodwork.
From there, UST tightened up at the back, staying composed in defense to complete a season sweep of DLSZ.
The Junior Golden Booters now await the winner between the FEU-D Baby Tamaraws and the PAREF Southridge Admirals in the finals set for Friday, April 10, at the same venue. F
