THE GOLDEN Booters stumbled against the University of the East, 0-1, in the Ang Liga Football Cup at the San Beda football field last July 23.
Tho Booters had several opportunities to score, only to be denied by UE’s tough defense. John Llaguno scored the lone goal of the game. UST now has a 0-1-1 win-loss-draw card.
Assistant coach Kim Versales blamed the loss on the players’ lack of sufficient preparation.
“The players have the skills, but still they lack blending and communication,” he said. “The bad weather also caused a lot of adjustments for the team, especially on how they pass and kick the ball.”
UST came close to an equalizer in the second half, but Fidel Kue’s attempt bounced off the upper post.
Midfielder Ronnel Lagrimas also tried to score with a header, but UE goalkeeper Robert Martos easily caught the rather weak shot. Efforts from UST’s Kim Seon, Elcid Garcia, and Shirmar Felongco all went down the drain.
In their previous game, the Booters settled for a 2-2 draw with home team San Beda College Red Booters last July 16.
Ladies’ waltz
The UST Lady Booters also dropped their assignment against the Far Eastern University, 1-2, in their Rexona Cup encounter at the UST football field last July 24.
The first half of the rain-drenched game was rather dry until Lady Tamaraw Karen Aredo whizzed the ball past UST goalkeeper Zipporah Luna for the first goal at the 49th minute. Joweanne Barruga answered for UST with a free kick at the 64th minute.
A driver in the 72nd minute by FEU’s Barbie Sobredo broke the tie and sealed the game in the Lady Tamaraws’ favor.
Lady Booters coach Bon Estrabon said considers the preseason games as an opportunity for younger players to better understand and execute his system.
“The younger girls need to fully understand the plays and offensive schemes of the team,” Estrabon said. “They often get lost during our attacks, resulting in some bad passes and shots.” Rodolfo Serafin Jerome T. Lozada and Chenny V. Ramos
