Jan Baito struck twice, including a dramatic stoppage-time winner, as University of Santo Tomas overcame a 10-man Far Eastern University, 3-2, to strengthen its hold on fourth place in the UAAP Season 89 men’s football tournament on Thursday night at the UP Football Stadium.
Baito converted a well-executed free kick in the 90+2 minute to seal all three points for the Golden Booters and extend the Tamaraws’ winless streak to four matches.
The UST forward had earlier doubled his side’s lead in the 11th minute, capitalizing on goalkeeper Lance Sanchez being out of position.
UST improved to nine points with a +4 goal difference, moving five points clear of fifth-placed FEU, which remained ahead of the chasing pack despite its superior +6 goal difference.
The Golden Booters made an early breakthrough through a set piece, with Trez Mariñas opening the scoring just three minutes into the match for his second goal of the season.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“Good job to Coach Bok (Carlos Santiago) and Coach Biboy (Esteban) for preparing the game, especially sa free kicks, kasi minsan lang to nangyayari sa amin,” said coach Marjo Allado.
“We started the game strong. We defended well tapos naka-score after, I think, 15 minutes. Naging complacent kami instead of defending, nag-commit at naka-goal sila. Early in the second half, nakakatakot kasi naka-goal ng maaga, then a lot of chances,” he lamented.
FEU pulled one back in the 43rd minute through Theo Libarnes, who scored his third goal of the tournament to give the Tamaraws a lifeline before halftime.
However, FEU’s comeback bid suffered a setback when Francis Sambaan received his second yellow card of the match just before the break, leaving the Tamaraws with 10 men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, FEU drew level just three minutes into the second half as Karl Absalon tapped home his third goal of the season.
The defeat spoiled the return of Selwyn Mamon, one of the Tamaraws’ leading goalscorers, who had missed the previous two matches.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“We tried to take advantage sa isang red card ni FEU and ayun naka goal kami in the last few minutes. Congrats to the boys kase nanalo kami,” Allado said.
“We’re aiming to win the last match. Di na namin iniisip yung standings. Importante yung panalo lang. We have to step up more. Ayusin namin yung game plan against La Salle and hopefully makapanalo kami,” he added.
UST will close out its first-round campaign against La Salle at 7 p.m. on Sunday, while FEU will look to snap its winless run against Ateneo at 4:30 p.m. on the same day. – TJ
