University of Santo Tomas scored two stoppage-time goals to secure a 4-2 victory over Far Eastern University (FEU) in the UAAP Season 87 collegiate men’s football tournament on Thursday night at the UP Football Stadium.
This win propelled UST into a tie for third place in the league standings.
Archie Belluga converted a penalty kick to give the Golden Booters a 3-2 lead after Richard Songalia collided with Tamaraws goalkeeper Jet Fabrigas, resulting in the penalty being awarded.
Rookie Kristien Elopre added another goal deep into added time, sealing the victory for UST.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Credit sa players, naglaro sila na all out, one-hundred percent,” said assistant coach Arman Esteban. “Gusto talaga nila manalo ngayon, especially dahil maganda yung bunit sa subs. Good timing yung subs. Na-convert ng subs namin yung mga chances at naka-goal sila.”
In a heated moment, FEU’s Mel Baylon received a straight red card in the following possession for hitting John Selarde.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
With this victory, the Golden Booters now share nine points with the Tamaraws, although FEU maintains the edge on goal difference. UST also stands ahead of joint fourth placers De La Salle University and the University of the East, both with seven points.
Captain TJ Garciano found the net in the 66th minute, scoring off a cross from Kyler Escobar to give the Golden Booters a 2-1 advantage.
FEU’s Al Galario equalized in the 78th minute with a fine finish, assisted by Khent Valenzuela.
Jan Baito opened the scoring for UST in the 39th minute, taking possession from Ace Amita and finishing calmly.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The Tamaraws equalized shortly after halftime when birthday boy Karl Absalon scored with a glancing header in the 52nd minute, beating goalkeeper Jose Abada.
Despite several scoring opportunities in the first half, including a potential goal from Absalon in the 15th minute, Abada was instrumental in protecting the goal.
Edgar Aban, who has scored five goals this season for the Tamaraws, missed his second consecutive match due to injury.
FEU’s next match will be a rematch against the University of the Philippines, last season’s finalists, on Sunday.
Meanwhile, UST will face league-leading Ateneo de Manila University in their final first-round match on the same day. (TJ)
