Feb. 23, 2015, 3:05 p.m. – THE UST Golden Booters capped
their worst UAAP Season ever with another heartbreaking defeat against Ateneo
de Manila University, 1-2, at the FEU Diliman pitch Sunday.
UST finished at sixth place, its worst showing in UAAP
history, with a 4-10 win-loss card. The Golden Booters missed the Final Four
for only the second time in 13 years.
Kendall Colet scored the winning goal for Ateneo in the 86th
minute via a strike in the left corner to keep the Blue Eagles in contention
for one of the last spots in the Final Four.
UST striker Steven Anotado tried to force a draw in extra
time, but his header went beyond the cross bar.
“Minsan may mga situation kanina na mabilis, ang ganda
ng sipa ng Ateneo, hindi talaga nadepensahan” told a frustrated head coach
Marjo Allado. “‘Yung goal keeper ko, comedy nanaman kanina.”
Ateneo’s Jeremy Mabanag drew first blood in the 16th minute
after a free kick near the half line that hit the roof of the net, 1-0.
Anotado scored the equalizer off a Gino Clarino cross in the
68th minute.
Despite a forgettable stint, Allado was confident that the
Golden Booters would come back stronger next year with an intact lineup and the
return of veteran players who missed this season due to academic deficiencies
brought about by UST’s change of school calendar.
“For next year walang mababawas dito, then some players
will come in,” Allado said. “We are a not rebuilding team next year.
We are strong team next year.” Karl Cedrick G. Basco
