KINGS OF THE PITCH! Congratulations UP Maroon Booters! #UAAPSeason80 pic.twitter.com/LnSzY0mZZe
— Randolph B. Leongson (@RLeongsonINQ) May 3, 2018
University of the Philippines completed its perfect season with a 1-0 win over University of Santo Tomas to snare the UAAP Season 80 men’s football championship Thursday at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Aggressive from the get-go, the Maroon Booters controlled the pace of the match and sent the Golden Booters scurrying on defense numerous times.
UP finally found a crack on UST’s armor, as Ian Clariño’s volley off of a free kick from JB Borlongan at the 21st minute gave it the 1-0 lead.
UP Maroon Booters celebrate the football championship. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
The Golden Booters tried to retort after the halftime break, but UP forwards Borlogan, Kintaro Miyagi, and Fidel Tacardon were still able to control the ball and get numerous shots on goal.
Dexter Benecio had an opportunity to draw for UST, but UP keeper Anton Yared was there to stop his shot at the 82nd minute.
The Maroon Booters ended their season with a flawless record of 12 wins and four draws.
UP took home its 18th overall men’s football title to reclaim the throne it lost last season.