By Jean Malanum
MANILA – University of Santo Tomas earned the second twice-to-beat incentive in the semifinal after beating De La Salle Zobel, 2-1, Wednesday night in the UAAP Season 88 boys’ football tournament at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Joshua Moleje, the Season 87 Best Midfielder, delivered the game-winning goal in the 78th minute after a solo run past the La Salle backline, canceling out Renz Partosa’s equalizer just five minutes earlier.
Moleje also provided the assist for Argos Alingalan’s opener in the 26th minute.
“Of course, it was a hard-fought game. La Salle was a really tough opponent. Fortunately, we created chances. We took them, so credit to the boys that they didn’t give up until the last minute—even though La Salle was all about attacking in the last minutes,” UST assistant coach David Basa said.
“All I told the boys was to remember this feeling. The intensity of the game, how to win tackles, how to win duels, the goal—take it to the next game, take it to the Final Four, because that’s what will give them confidence,” he added.
Far Eastern University-Diliman earned the No. 1 seed in the Final Four after prevailing over PAREF Southridge School, 3-2.
FEU-D and UST lead the standings with 28 and 26 points, respectively, while La Salle ranks third with 20 points.
Ateneo, a 2-0 winner over Claret School of Quezon City, is in fourth place with 16 points, followed by Southridge (14 points).
Saturday’s matches will pit Southridge against La Salle (2 p.m.) and Ateneo against UST (4:30 p.m.).
If Southridge loses, Ateneo will advance to the semifinal. (PNA)
