THE UST Golden Booters crumbled late against the FEU Tamaraws, 3-1, to conclude the first round of the UAAP Season 86 men’s football tournament at the UP Diliman Football Pitch on Sunday, March 17.
UST ended the first round in fifth place with seven points built on a 2-3-1 (W-L-D) record, while FEU remained atop the standings with a 5-0-1 slate.
After a scoreless first half, UST midfielder Tarshish Garciano converted a goal off a broken play in the 56th minute, 1-0.
Golden Booter Archie Belluga got tackled hard on his attempt midway through the second half. UST coaches wanted a penalty kick, but the referees let the game play on.
UST assistant coach Arman Esteban was handed a yellow card after an altercation with the referee on the said play. After a follow-up talk with the referee, he was assessed a red card.
“The referees destroyed the game e,” UST head coach Marjo Allado told the Varsitarian. “We could have had a penalty, pero hindi nila tinawagan. After that, may bagsak na players, hindi na-stop ‘yung laro.”
“The players played well naman pero ‘yung concentration nila nasira dahil sa nangyari.”
After an FEU attempt hit the chest of UST team captain Miguel Abada, Tamaraw Mel Baylon went for a header to equalize the match in the 74th minute.
The Tamaraws scored two more courtesy of Martini Rey in the 85th minute and Andre Yu in added time that completed FEU’s comeback win.
The league has yet to announce the schedule for the second round.
