THE UST Golden Booters faltered in the second half against the UP Fighting Maroons, 2-1, to drop their UAAP Season 86 men’s football tournament opener at the UP Diliman Football Pitch on Sunday, Feb. 18.
Golden Booter Chris Valderama found Andrew Ramos to draw first blood in the 17th minute.
It took UP 15 minutes after halftime to tie the game courtesy of a goal by Francis Tacardon.
A header by UP’s Austin Basconcilloin in the 75th minute secured the win for the Fighting Maroons, 2-1.
“We had the better first half because we scored first and we defended well,” UST head coach Marjo Allado told the Varsitarian. “Going into the second half, I think affected ‘yong laro dahil nga medyo dead legs, pero we have to take this UP game as a lesson.”
In the second half, two Golden Booters were stretchered out from the game: Valderama and Archie Belluga who both suffered cramps.
The UST Golden Booters will next face Adamson University on Thursday, Feb. 22, at the same venue.
