Feb. 15, 2015, 10:35 p.m. – THE UST Golden Booters
kissed their Final Four hopes goodbye after a
0-6 shutout by the Far Eastern University in the UAAP Season 77 men’s
football tournament at the Moro Lorenzo field in Ateneo Sunday.
UST, which finished third in Season 76, dropped to sixth
place this year with a disappointing 4-9 win-loss card.
It is only the second time in 13 years that the Golden
Booters will miss the playoffs.
FEU’s Eric Giganto steered the defending champions with a
rare double brace, two goals in each half.
Giganto scored his first two goals in the 11th and 34th
minute of the first half before connecting again in 58th and 62nd minute mark.
UST had few goal attempts in the match including Jopridale
Molina’s in the 86th minute that was denied by FEU goalie Patrick Rallos.
“Hindi naman namin kayang pilitin na mag magic yung mga
players kung yun lang talaga ang ability nila,” head coach Marjo Allado
said. “On and off kasi laro namin. Dati kami tumatambak sa FEU.”
Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines shattered UST’s chance of
a return trip to the finals in the women’s division, 3-1.
The Lady Booters, last season’s runner up, absorbed their
fifth loss in seven games.
“No chance for finals na,” head coach JR Judal
said. “Buhos na lahat ng mga bata yan. Pero konting masakit.”
The Lady Booters drew first blood after a Pearl Aguilar goal
in the 16th minute.
However, UST’s Jae Abuan tied the match with an own goal
five minutes later, 1-1.
UP’s Mary Rose Obra then found the net twice in the 24th and
35th minute to seal the win for the Lady Maroons.
The Lady Booters will close their season 77 campaign on
Saturday, Feb. 21, against Ateneo de Manila University at the same venue, while
the men’s team will take on Ateneo de Manila University on Sunday, Feb. 22. Karl
Cedrick G. Basco
