By: Nicole Parallag
Rodrigo Mariñas’ brace propelled University of Santo Tomas to a 2-0 victory over University of the East, closing out the first round of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament on Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City.
The 21-year-old striker opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a stunning long-range strike that handed the Golden Booters an early lead.
Mariñas doubled UST’s advantage in the 68th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to slot the ball past UE goalkeeper Nicko Cloma and effectively seal the win.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“It’s a well-deserved brace for him,” said UST assistant coach Carlos Francisco.
“Di naman siya starter nung pumasok kami this season, and eventually naging starter siya. We told him to be patient na darating din yung goals para sa kanya, so ayun, he scored two goals that helped UST get the win.”
With the victory, the Golden Booters wrapped up the first round in fourth place with eight points — level with the Ateneo Blue Eagles but trailing them on goal difference (+2 for Ateneo, +1 for UST).
UST, however, stays ahead of De La Salle University, which sits in fifth with a neutral goal difference.
University of the Philippines topped the first-round standings with 16 points, five clear of defending champion Far Eastern University.
Despite the loss, UE found a bright spot in 19-year-old goalkeeper Nicko Cloma, who stepped up in place of the injured Chrisjohn Tambilawan.
Cloma put on a composed performance, denying several UST chances to keep his side within striking distance.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The Red Warriors nearly equalized in the 61st minute when returning skipper Keith Hermoso — back from a one-game suspension — rose for a header. But UST’s Mark Daig produced a crucial save to maintain the clean sheet.
UE concluded the first round at the bottom of the table with zero points and a goal difference of -8.
