The UST Junior Golden Booters relinquished their hold on the title after falling to the Far Eastern University-Diliman (FEU-D) Baby Tamaraws, 2-1, in the UAAP Season 88 boys’ football championship on Friday, April 10, at the University of the Philippines (UP) Football Pitch.
The loss ended UST’s bid for back-to-back titles, while FEU-D reclaimed the crown for its 13th championship after surrendering it to the Junior Golden Booters last year.
Both teams found it difficult to create clear chances in a tightly contested first half, with opportunities scarce until UST broke through just before halftime.
Argos Alingalan delivered the assist to Roy Panunciar Jr., who finished the play to hand UST a 1-0 advantage in the 44th minute.
For much of the second half, the Junior Golden Booters were pinned on defense and leaned on counterattacks, which they struggled to sustain.
FEU-D eventually found the equalizer in the 85th minute, as Nash Abrenica converted to even the score.
The Baby Tamaraws completed the comeback in stoppage time, with James del Torres firing in the go-ahead goal to secure the win.
The Junior Golden Booters will part ways with Alingalan, Kent Belgira, Ryne Doromal, Lawrence Ubante, and Zandrew Nobleza, who are set to move up to the senior ranks next season.
