Anotado shows way as Tigers nip Warriors in UAAP football

MANILA, Philippines — Substitute Steven Anotado scored in stoppage time to give University of Santo Tomas a 2-1 win over University of the East Friday in UAAP Season 76 men’s football tournament at the FEU-Diliman pitch.

A Marvin Bricenio cross set up Anotado for the clincher as he got it off barely before Red Warriors goalkeeper Lendon Clores could get his hand on the ball.

Anotado also scored the equalizer in the 83rd minute as the Golden Booters, who got solo third, were finally rewarded with their patience.

“It was a tough game,” said Tigers mentor Marjo Allado.  “The good thing for this team is we don’t give up for entire 90 minutes.  The resolve to win is there.”

UST climbed to seven points on a 2-1-2 win-draw-loss record while keeping UE in second spot with 10 points (3-1-2), and boost its bid for a top two spot.

Unbeaten in four outings, Far Eastern University remains on top of the leaderboard with 12 points.

UE, which started off a season in a blaze, sorely missed the services of veteran Fitch Arboleda, who decided to rest his hamstring for the much tougher battles in the second round.

“Arboleda is a big loss for them. He is the best attacking player in the league. His absence earlier was less burden for our defense,” Allado added.