The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers defeated the Adamson Soaring Falcons 2-1 in their opening game of the UAAP Season 78 Men’s Football Tournament. AJ Pasion and Darwin Busmion scored for UST while Jusuel Pilarca clinched a consolation goal for Adamson.
The first half was a cagey encounter between the Golden Booters and the Soaring Falcons. Adamson relied on long balls from the defense to supply striker Ephraim Dela Cruz with any service. On the other hand, UST focused on passing the ball wide for their wingers to penetrate and cross.
Both teams had to rely on set pieces as a means to create any sort of offense. A free kick for UST at the 11th minute led to an Adamson clearance. Two minutes later the same thing happened for Adamson at UST’s box.
UST recorded the first shot of the game when Ronald Batisla-Ong’s attempt was easily saved by Adamson goalkeeper Carl Viray at the 16th minute. The Golden Booters immediately had another chance as rookie Christian Valderama tried to score a minute later. Karl Bronda then had his direct free kick saved by Viray at the 20th minute.
Adamson only had one shot in the first half when Bless Brian I Jumo’s attempt went wide of the UST goal at the 30th minute.
UST finally broke through when rookie Pasion’s cross flew inside the Adamson goal from the right flank at the 40th minute. Perhaps Viray could have done better with the cross. At halftime it was UST 1 – Adamson 0.
Just seven minutes into the second half, UST doubled their lead via Busmion who was through on goal and chipped the ball over Viray. UST 2 – Adamson 0.
It was an improved showing for UST in the second half as the Golden Booters were able to take care of the ball better and create better chances. A UST corner in the 56th minute and a shot from just outside the Adamson box failed to test Viray.
Batisla-Ong had another chance to score at the 66th minute but his header didn’t even test Viray. Adamson finally threatened the Golden Booters when Brian I Jumo hit a grounder in front of the UST goal but he overhit the ball and the chance went begging at the 71st minute.
The game came back to life when Pilarca scored for Adamson from outside the UST at the 80th minute. UST responded via Patrick O’Neill when he forced a good save from Viray three minutes after Adamson’s goal.
In the end, the Golden Booters held on for their first win this Season 78.
For UST coach Marjo Allado, the three points were the most important souvenirs for the day. Allado added, “Yung panalo na to magboboost ng confidence ng mga players kasi nga siyempre last year yung posisyon namin number sixth eh. Target namin pumasok muna ng top four eh. So yung three points na ito malaking bagay ito para sa amin. Magboboost siya ng confidence especially sa young ones kasi si Pasion na nakagoal kanina eh. Malaking bagay sa kanya ito.”
The next game for UST is against UE at the McKinley Hill Stadium on February 14, 2016 (7:00PM). On the other hand, Adamson will face NU at 1:00PM on the same day and venue.
