Marlon Dasig struck at the nick of time, lifting Adamson University to a 1-0 victory over the University of Santo Tomas on the opening day of the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament on Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Coming off the bench late in the match, the third-year striker calmly finished past Golden Booters goalkeeper Mark Daig in the 90+4th minute to give the Soaring Falcons a dream start to their campaign.
Dasig’s stoppage-time strike rewarded Adamson’s persistence in the second half. Cameroonian forward Golike Dany and striker Roberto Roldan had earlier chances to break the deadlock.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“I mean, I just say they’re resilient, which is what we have pushed them throughout the preseason,” said coach Darlton Digha. “It’s a good feeling when you see players not giving up, you know, and fighting right up to the end. Dasig coming in as a substitute and making an impact straight away — I’m really proud of him and proud of the team.”
While Adamson celebrated at the final whistle, UST was left to rue its missed opportunities. Renan Ballespin had a couple of chances in the first half but sent his attempts over the bar.
In the second half, Joshua Balliner hit the side netting, while the Golden Booters had one final opportunity to snatch an equalizer in stoppage time, only for John Mark Garcia to fire painfully wide.
Starting the season on a high note bodes well for the Soaring Falcons, who impressed during the preseason. Still, they know there is a long way to go, with finally reaching the Final Four remaining their primary objective.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“Starting a tournament with a win is always, I think, what every coach wants to do on the first day in a tournament,” said Digha. “I think this win helps us prepare for the next game. It takes us to the next game with the right mentality and the right approach.”
Both schools will return to action on Thursday at the same venue.
UST will open the triple-header against defending champion University of the Philippines at 2:00 PM. Meanwhile, Adamson will close out the matchday against Ateneo de Manila University at 7:00 PM.
