MOST Valuable Player Ian Clarino scored the lone goal for the University of the Philippines as the Fighting Maroons nosed out the UST Golden Booters, 1-0, to bag the UAAP football finals at the Rizal Memorial Stadium Thursday.
It was déjà vu for UST as they also lost to the Maroons in their last finals matchup in 2012 with a similar score.
UST never recovered as Clarino broke the ice in the 21st minute with a soft flick via JB Borlongan’s free kick as UP claimed its 18th title.
The Maroons finished the season undefeated with an overall win-draw-loss record of 12-4-0.
“Noong naka-goal ang UP, hindi na kami nakasabay sa kanila sa first half. Congratulations pa rin sa mga bata kasi ginawa nila lahat,” Golden Booters head coach Marjo Allado said.
Golden Booter Dexter Benecio could have extended the game into extra time in the 81st minute but his header was saved by UP keeper Anton Yared.
UST’s Zaldy Abraham Jr. won the Best Goalkeeper award.
The Booters will undergo a minor rebuild with eight players graduating this year namely: co-captain Jopridale Molino, AJ Passion, Marvin Bricenio, Gino Clarino, Kenneth Tuzon, Efren Menaes, and Darwin and Dionisio Busmion. I
