Unlike their first round encounter, the University of Santo Tomas Golden Booters found a way to earn a win over the Far Eastern University Tamaraws.
There was no late drama this time around. UST secured a 1-0 win over FEU in the UAAP Season 81 Men’s Football Tournament second round, Sunday afternoon, at the FEU-Diliman turf in Quezon City.
“From the (coaching) staff point of view, masaya na kami kasi nakakuha na kami ngayon ng goal tsaka walang nag-concede sa amin. Pero yun nga, 1-0, 2-0… Mas importante sa amin manalo talaga sa game na ito kasi yung mga games sa second round, deciding game na siya,” said UST mentor Marjo Allado.
After a goalless first half, UST seized the lead a minute after the halftime break when Alijreh Fuchigami headed past FEU goalkeeper Dave Parac. The Golden Booters did let up as they produced chance after chance. Parac then parried away John Alianza’s free kick, while Conrado Dimacali III had a goal disallowed due to offside.
On the other hand, the Tamaraws failed to properly test Golden Booters goalkeeper Zaldy Abraham, Jr. The Morayta-based school struggled to penetrate the UST backline. They were left to resort to speculative efforts from hotshot rookie Gio Pabualan to gain a sniff at goal.
In the end, though, UST managed to hold on and keep a clean sheet for the first time this season. On the other hand, this was FEU’s dismal start to the second round continues with back-to-back defeats.
Both schools shall next play on April 4, 2019, at FEU-Diliman. The Tamaraws (18 points) shall take on the National University Bulldogs at 9:00 AM. Meanwhile, the Golden Booters (11 points) will face the University of the East Red Warriors afterwards at 1:30 PM.
UST XI: Abraham (GK), Alianza, Benecio, De Castro ©, Dimacali, Fuchigami, Gumban, Menares, Orale, Pasion, Rivera.
FEU XI: Canonigo, Darapan, Decena, Forrosuelo, Frigillano, Kim, Monterona, Pabualan, Parac (GK), Rayos, Salilig ©.
