AJ PASION’s late goal saved the UST Golden Booters against the National University, 2-1, in the UAAP Season 79 men’s football tournament at the Rizal Memorial Stadium Sunday.
With the game tied at 1-all, Pasion found the back of the net in the 86th minute off an inbound to help UST improve to a 5-5-2 win-loss-draw record.
“Nakita ko ‘yung mga players na they tried their best na mag-score so inaasahan ko ‘yan by the game against FEU,” UST head coach Marjo Allado said.
Darwin Busmion drilled a goal in the 17th minute to put UST up the scoreboard, 1-0, before NU’s Mike Arbela delivered a fine finish in the 75th mark for the equalizer.
Pasion and Marvin Bricenio tried to stretch UST’s lead in the 70th and 71st minutes but both attempts were saved by NU goalkeeper Hayeson Pepito.
UST, now at fourth place, is in a crucial race for the last Final Four spot with NU and the De La Salle University.
The Golden Booters will face the Far Eastern University on April 9, Sunday, 3 p.m., at the same venue.
“This game is very important to UST. Now we are back to number four. Pero ‘yung difference ng points dito ay one point lang, especially with La Salle. Pero ang pinakamagandang nangyari dito ay [nakakuha] kami ng three points,” Allado added.
