Adamson University secured a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over De La Salle, clinching the remaining Final Four spot for University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Football Tournament on Thursday night at the UP Football Stadium.
The Falcons, playing with immense pride, were fueled by key substitutes.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Christian Hayahay equalized in the 73rd minute, and Keivenn Banagodos delivered the stoppage-time winner, with both goals coming from corner kicks.
Alonso Aguilar had put the Green Booters ahead in the 25th minute. De La Salle entered the match needing to win their last two games to advance but fell short in this crucial encounter.
It was only Adamson’s second win of the season.
“Pretty intense game coming back from one down. Good fighting spirit from both teams; La Salle really wanted it as well. We just happened to get the goals. It’s crazy. It’s always about the players, their effort of not giving up,” said coach Darlton Digha, a former Adamson standout.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The Green Booters remain in fifth place with 10 points, trailing the Golden Booters’ 14.
The Falcons, now with six points, are focused on finishing the season strong.
Adamson, which revived its men’s football program in 2014, will conclude its campaign against University of the East on Sunday.
“Like I said, we want to end on a high note. We want to show we’re not just representing, we still come up and play like it’s still the first game of the UAAP, and it’s still very important,” Digha said.
De La Salle will face defending champions University of the Philippines on Sunday. (TJ)
