THE UST Golden Booters surged past the University of the Philippines in extra time, 3-2, to advance to the finals of Ang Liga football tournament at the San Beda College pitch Saturday.
Aljireh Fuchigami converted on a header in the third minute of extra time to seal the win for UST.
It was a sweet revenge for the Booters who were eliminated by UP in the UAAP football semifinals last year. UST will play in the Ang Liga finals for the first time.
The two teams met last Dec. 15 at the McKinley Fields in Taguig, but their 2-2 draw was forced to be moved on a later date due to the referees’inability to officiate out of “other commitments.”
UST took a 2-1 lead behind goals from AJ Passion and Renz Gumban at the 11th and 63rd minute, respectively, before the Maroons came back behind the heroics of reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player Daniel Gadia who followed his 44th minute conversion with a goal in the 87th minute.
The Booters will face Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday, Jan. 22, 10 a.m., at the Moro Lorenzo field.
“Mayroon tayong tacticals na gagawin against Ateneo. Ibang group of players ang ipapasok natin,” UST assistant coach Biboy Esteban said about what the team plans in the finals.
