Marco Casambre’s (14′) goal was enough for defending champions University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons to eke out a 1-0 win over the struggling University of Santo Tomas Golden Booters today at the Far Eastern University-Diliman field.
It was State U’s third consecutive win in the UAAP Season 79 Men’s Football Tournament, but their mentor Anto Gonzales was disappointed with his wards. Gonzales shared, “Poor game. We have some players who didn’t perform to their standards. Just overall poor performance from the team.”
UP controlled the first half of the game. The Fighting Maroons ruled possession, while the Golden Booters were left to spring on the counterattack. JB Borlongan saw his shot parried away by UST goalie Zaldy Abraham.
As early as the 14th minute, State U clinched the lead at the 14th minute when Casambre capitalized on a scramble at the UST box to draw first blood. It was what UP deserved, and the Fighting Maroons could have had another goal if not for Abraham, who saved Rafael Patangan’s shot.
State U carried a 1-0 edge at the break and the Fighting Maroons looked to add more to their tally, as the Golden Booters struggled to impose themselves in the game.
It was a similar tale in the second period as State U still dominated the game. UST did try and threaten to score, but UP’s defense held firm, and Fighting Maroons goalie Ace Villanueva was alert to catch every ball that came his way.
JB Borlongan and Kintaro Miyagi saw their shots go narrowly wide of the Golden Booters’ goal, while Fighting Maroons skipper Daniel Gadia failed to head the ball towards the back of the net.
Late in the game UST substitute Efren Menares, Jr. had a golden opportunity to level the scores, but his header missed the target. In the end, UP had to make do with a 1-0 win, which was the least they deserved against UST.
“Three straight wins is just a number. What’s important is the performance. We got our third straight win today but we can’t be happy with the way we played,” emphasized the multi-titled coach.
Up next for UP (3-1-0) are the Ateneo de Manila University on February 26, 2:00 PM, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila. On the other hand, UST (1-0-3) shall play Adamson University on February 23, 2:00 PM at Ateneo’s Moro Lorenzo Field.
“(The Blue Eagles) are a very hot team. They have a lot of confidence. Hopefully we can use our experience in dealing with their youthful exuberance. They’re a very good attacking team but I hope we can be more disciplined defensively and stop them from scoring,” commented the former Azkal.
UP XI: Borlongan, Casambre, Clarino Ju, Clarino Jo, Gadia, Lapas, Magdato, Miyagi, Patangan, Rafanan, Villanueva
UST XI: Abraham, Benecio, Bricenio, Busmion, De Castro, Dimacali, Feril, Molino, Pasion, Rafol, Regala
