Tigers claim football opener over Bulldogs

MANILA, Philippines - University of Santo Tomas toughened up in the second half as it pulled off a 2-1 victory over a debuting National University in the opener of the UAAP men’s football competitions at the Erenchun field in Ateneo last Sunday.

Held to a 1-1 game at the half, the Tigers stayed cool then went to midfielder Patrick O’Neal, who delivered the winning goal on the 62nd minute.   

“We didn’t underestimate this NU team despite the fact that they just played their first game here in the UAAP,” said UST mentor Marjo Allado. “NU is the league’s newest team here in football but you can’t underestimate them.”

UST’s rock-solid defense held up NU’s attack in the last 30 minutes of play.

“Our goal this season is win the championship, nothing else,” said Allado, whose team now has joined Far Eastern University in the win column with 1-0-0 win-loss-draw record for three points each.

UST’s John De Arce gave the Tigers their first goal in the seventh minute mark, but NU’s Mark Marcaido equalized the match with on the 21st minute.

In other games, FEU beat De La Salle University for its first win while Ateneo and University of the East fought to a scoreless draw.

In women’s play, Ateneo De Manila defeated University of the Philippines, 2-0.