MANILA – University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers kicked off its UAAP Season 81 men’s football campaign with a 3-1 win over De La Salle University Green Archers at the Far Eastern University-Diliman pitch.
The rookie laden Green Archers drew first blood in the game with newcomer John Rey Lagura scoring at the 14th minute but it was quickly negated by the Growling Tigers via a Conrado Dimacali goal three minutes later.
Juan Villanueva took the 2-1 advantage for the Growling Tigers with a 36th minute goal before the last year’s second placers doubled the lead with a 68th minute strike by Glen Ramos.
“Hindi pa 100 percent ang laro nila ngayon pero maganda na naipanalo namin ang first game namin. Kahit anong liga pa ‘yan, importante ‘to in building the players’ confidence going forward,” said Ilonggo Marjo Allado, UST’s head coach.
In the other opening day matches, Far Eastern University Tamaraws rout University of the East Red Warriors, 4-1, while Adamson University Falcons needed a late penalty to split points with National University Bulldogs, 1-1.
The Red Warriors wasted the opportunity to take the lead after Mar Diano missed the penalty. Jermi Darapan later found the back of the net to give the Tamaraws the lead in the 29th minute.
Rookie Gio Pabualan doubled the lead with a header at the 48th minute before Nikki Canonigo and Alex Rayos entered the score sheet for FEU in the 60th and 66th minute, respectively. Champ Marin netted UE’s lone goal in the 51st minute.
The Falcons were able to level after a Jackson Ramos penalty in the 86th minute to equalize Mike Arbela’s 79th minute strike that opened the scoring for the Bulldogs. It was Adamson’s first draw after losing its last 25 games./PN
