THE UST Golden Booters will miss the finals anew after a 1-2 loss from the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Booters in their semifinals clash in the UAAP Season 79 men’s football tournament at the Rizal Memorial Stadium Thursday.
Ateneo displayed its prowess on both ends of the pitch courtesy of goalkeeper Alexandre Jae Arcilla and Jarvey Gayoso who scored back-to-back goals in the first half.
After drilling a goal in the 22nd minute off an Enzo Gayozo assist, Gayoso put the Blue Booters up by two points with a minute left before halftime.
Marvin Bricenio stopped UST’s scoring drought by converting a goal from the right post in the 56th minute via Darwin Busmion’s dish, 1-2.
Dionisio Busmion had the chance to equalize the game in the 86th minute but a crucial save by Arcilla sealed Ateneo’s second straight finals appearance.
“Everybody naman nakita nila kung paano maglaro si UST noong second half. Ang daming attempts pero wala talaga,” UST head coach Marjo Allado told the Varsitarian.
The Golden Booters maintained its standing from last year at fourth place but Allado lamented they had the chance to win the title.
“For me, hindi matatanggap ng players ‘yung fourth at talo sa semifinals kasi nakikita talaga nila na may potential ‘yung team na mag-champion,” Allado added.
