By: Niklas Arriola
University of Santo Tomas strengthened its bid for a UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Football Final Four berth after defeating 10-man University of the East, 2-1, Thursday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City.
UST grabbed the early lead in the 11th minute when Archie Belluga’s curling shot deflected off UE defender Christian Tio’s head for an unfortunate own goal.
The Red Warriors quickly responded, however, as Keith Hermoso pounced on a rebound from teammate Jaymark Hernan’s attempt to level the match in the 14th minute.
Rodrigo Mariñas then restored UST’s advantage in the 41st minute with a precise header off a set-piece delivery from Kent Dela Peña.
Golden Booters skipper Kyler Escobar nearly widened the lead in the 68th minute with a tap-in, but the assistant referee flagged him for offside.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Congrats to the players,” said UST head coach Marjo Allado after his squad earned its third straight victory. “Today, we conceded one goal, but still, at the end of 90 minutes, we got the win.”
With the result, UST solidified its hold on third place with 14 points and a +3 goal difference, ahead of fourth-ranked Ateneo, which sits at 11 points and a +6 GD. The Blue Eagles will face league-leading University of the Philippines later at 7 p.m.
The win also completed a season sweep for UST over UE, following a 2-0 first-round victory last October 19.
The Golden Booters will next face the FEU Tamaraws on Sunday at 4:00 PM, still at the UP Diliman pitch.
UE had several chances to equalize before going down to 10 men.
Eldrin Madrid nearly found the back of the net with a quick corner attempt that UST goalkeeper Mark Daig managed to stop just before halftime.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Hermoso also came close in the 59th minute, sending a header wide of the left post.
The Red Warriors’ night went from bad to worse in the 77th minute when Ronnel Ebbah was sent off after receiving his second yellow card for a rough tackle.
With three games remaining, UE remains winless at the bottom of the table with zero points and a -17 goal difference, officially eliminating them from Final Four contention.
The Red Warriors will return to action against Ateneo on November 16 at 4:00 PM on the same pitch.
