TJ Garciano and Jarred Regis scored twice as University of Santo Tomas overpowered University of the East, 4-0, for its second straight second-round win in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Football Tournament Thursday at the UP Football Stadium.
The victory also allowed the Golden Booters to solidify their hold of fourth spot with 13 points.
Garciano struck two set-piece goals, the first in added time before halftime and in the 70th minute.
Regis was also on target for UST in the 47th minute and deep in stoppage time.
Chris Valderama, meanwhile, assisted two of the Golden Booters’ four goals.
“Nagstart kami ng slow sa first half, we performed well pero nanganagapa maybe because of the hot weather talaga. But so far in the last fifteen minutes, bago mag half-time nakakuha kami from TJ. So overall in the second half nag pick up ung players, well maganda na ung laro nila especially the set pieces,” said UST coach Marjo Allado.
“This is the first time sa season na to naka score kami from set pieces, from corner kicks so yung mga prinactice nila at least kahit papano na accomplish nagayon araw,” he added.
Up next for UST is a duel with Ateneo at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 11.
“So far its a good result for the team, kase alam mo naman yung standing namin number four. Gusto namin pumasok sa number one or number two,” said Allado.
“So yung confidence ng players na nakuha nila against La Salle nag build up so hopefully ma-maintain namin yun, kase nung first round inconsistent eh, win-loss, win-loss pero right now this is the first time na two wins. So we gained six points sa second round. Sana din in the next game.”
The Red Warriors remained in sixth place with three points.