UAAP football: UST clinches Final Four spot at expense of UE

University of Santo Tomas completed the Final Four cast after subduing University of the East, 2-1, in the UAAP Season 80 men’s football tournament Thursday at Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

Ian De Castro headed home Steven Anotado’s cross in the 88th minute that broke the 1-1 deadlock that lasted for 33 minutes.

The Golden Booters have now amassed 22 points to get to the third seed, two points above De La Salle.

Kent Galaura found the back of the net in the 8th minute to give UE a 1-0 lead that lasted until halftime before Gino Clariño scored the equalizer in the 55th minute for UST.

“We really deserved this win,” said Golden Booters head coach Marjo Allado in Filipino as his team  makes its third straight semifinals appearance.

“The first half was too boring, it seemed like we didn’t have any fitness, no training session. But it turned into a come-from-behind win and this is a big win for us.”

In the second game, top seed University of the Philippines and Far Eastern University split points after settling for a goalless draw.

The Maroon Booters are atop the table with 32 points, four more than defending champion Ateneo’s total.