JB Borlongan scored twice as titleholder University of the Philippines climbed to solo second with a 3-1 victory over University of the East in the UAAP Season 79 men’s football tournament at Moro Lorenzo Field Thursday night.
The Fighting Maroons, who are undefeated in the second round, now have 21 points despite missing the services of leaders Daniel Gadia and Ian Clariño due to national under-22 commitments
UP is now just two off Ateneo, which is leading the top of the table with 23 points.
Earlier, National University thrived under sweltering conditions to dominate Adamson, 4-0, and tie University of Santo Tomas in fourth place.
The Bulldogs ended a two-match losing skid to level with the Growling Tigers with 13 points, but the NU is still behind in goal difference.
The Maroons and the Red Warriors drew after the first four minutes of play, in contrast to previous matches where the teams struggle to score at the Katipunan pitch.
Borlongan gave UP its first goal in the third minute before UE responded quickly with Mar Diano’s close range strike.
Borlongan then put the Maroons back on top in the 31st minute, connecting from a King Miyagi pass – his fourth goal of the season.
Sebastian Patangan then found the back of the net for a 3-1 UP lead in the 78th minute.
“In terms of effort, we were okay,” said Maroons coach Anto Gonzales. “I’m hoping that the players will continue to step up.”
NU ace Lawrence Colina scored his sixth goal of the season to tie Ateneo’s Jarvey Gayoso for the lead with a penalty kick in stoppage time to cap the Bulldogs’ domination.
“We really needed to win. It was a good thing they stuck to the game plan,” said NU coach Mari Aberasturi. “But we still can’t relax. When it comes to goal difference, we’re still -2 (against UST).”
Elmer Sampaga headed the Bulldogs’ first goal after a goalkeeper Nickie Yap lost control of the ball in the 41st minute.
Yap was manning the post for Adamson as its first choice keeper Carl Viray served his one-game suspension.
NU then doubled its lead in the 56th minute with Patrick Valenzuela scoring from a Mike Arbela assist.
Returning the favor, Valenzuela assisted Arbela’s strike for a 3-0 Bulldogs advantage in the 61st minute.