By: Nicole Parallag
Renan Ballespin fired the go-ahead goal to lead University of Santo Tomas to a 2-1 victory over De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament on Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Ballespin, a striker from Valencia City High School in Bukidnon, capitalized on an assist from Andrew Gregg Ramos.
He scored in the 87th minute, getting the ball past La Salle goalkeeper and captain Enrico Mangaoang and securing full points for UST.
“Nakikinig lang po ako sa mga sinasabi ng mga coaches ko,” said Ballespin. “Binabasa ko lang yung takbo ng laro. Nakita ko yung bola na medyo pabalik sa akin kaya nag-take ako ng chance [para maka-score].”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The Golden Booters faced an early setback when Gabe Suarez gave the Green Booters a dream start with a goal in the 21st minute from Lucas Andan’s cross.
Regrouping during the halftime break, UST equalized just two minutes into the second half when defender Jarred Regis scored.
Kyler Escobar could have put the Golden Booters ahead earlier, but his header struck the post. Chris Valderama’s free kicks then failed to find the target.
Ultimately, Ballespin’s late goal ensured that UST would not regret those missed chances.
“Nag-click yung game plan ni Coach Marjo (Allado),” said deputy coach Arman Esteban. “Yung players gustong manalo kaya at least even if we came from behind, naka-secure kami ng three points ngayong araw.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
This result reversed the outcome of the schools’ first-round clash, where De La Salle won 1-0 on October 6, thanks to Lucas Aguilar’s goal.
With this victory, the Golden Booters climbed to second place in the standings with 12 points and a plus-1 goal difference.
UST will return to action this Sunday against Adamson University at 4:30 PM on the same pitch.
Meanwhile, the Green Booters remained in fifth place with seven points and a minus-5 goal difference.
De La Salle will aim to end a two-game skid when it faces the University of the East this Sunday at 7:00 PM at the same venue.
