FEAR of elimination proved to be a driving force for the College of Nursing that got to play another day in the Thomasian Goodwill Games Men’s Football Games, after a 3-1 do-or-die victory against highly-favored College of Rehabilitation Sciences (CRS) team last January 15 at the UST open field.
Ian Badilla unleashed a long shot into the unguarded goal of CRS in the 79th minute of the game to bring Nursing’s lead to 3-1. The mistake came as CRS goalie Ian Perfecto attempted to disrupt the offense at the goal area, allowing Badilla a clear view of the net.
CRS’ defense was rattled by DJ Mendoza’s goal at the very first minute of the game that gave Nursing an early lead.
But the other Mendoza on the field, Jeff, scored the equalizer for CRS at the 15th minute. CRS’ advantage in the point system would have eliminated Nursing, should the game end in a draw. However, Nursing’s performance enabled a reversal of roles that saw CRS bowing out of the competition.
A foul gave Nursing a free kick opportunity, wherein DJ scored the clincher in the goal area, 2-1, at the 78th minute, just moments before Badilla sealed the count to 3-1.
Nursing joined first-seeded College of Commerce and Business Administration in the top two survivors of bracket C.
Meanwhile, Graduate School aced bracket A with a 3-0 win-loss record while College of Fine Arts and Design came in second at 2-1. In bracket B, Ecclesiastical Faculties topped the group with a 3-0 card, while Education High School followed at 2-1.
In the distaff side, Nursing forced a draw with the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management, 1-apiece, last January 15. Nursing’s Nika Aquino scored in the 30th minute of the game but was immediately answered by Tourism’s Rachelle Imperial in the 33rd minute.
