University of of Santo Tomas battled also-ran De La Salle to a scoreless standout to finish fourth at the end of eliminations Thursday in the UAAP Season 79 men’s football tournament at Moro Lorenzo Field.
The Growling Tigers were all out to secure the No. 3 ranking in the Final Four, but the Green Archers held on their own to share points.
“We fielded in players without yellow cards, including the goalkeeper, so we have chances against La Salle,” said UST coach Marjo Allado.
“But I was disappointed with the performance of the players. They were supposed to show their quality. Mayb some of the players are rusty,” he added.
The Tigers settled for 21 points good for no. 4, setting up a meeting eliminations topnotcher Ateneo in the knockout semifinals.
Defending champion University of the Philippines and Far Eastern University collide in the other Final Four pairing, which is also a one-match affair.
The Archers, who will miss the Final Four for the first time since the format was instituted five years ago, wound up with 16 points.
For coach Hans Smit, De La Salle’s rebuilding process has started.
“This is the first day of tryouts,” said Smit, whose Archers nearly won the crown two years ago only to lose to the Tamaraws at extra time before finishing third last season.
“I’m glad this is over with,” he added.
Smit still has something to cheer about as De La Salle rout UP, 5-0, to move closer in completing a double-round sweep of the women’s eliminations with a maximum 21 points at the FEU-Diliman pitch on Wednesday.
UST beat also-ran FEU, 4-2, for 13 points in second place.
The Lady Archers shoot for a sweep against the Tigresses in the final matchday of elims on Saturday.