Action between UE and UST in the UAAP Season 87 men's football tournament, November 21, 2024 at the UP Diliman Football Stadium. UAAP MediaMANILA -- University of the East is still alive in the Final 4 race of the UAAP Season 87 men's football tournament, after the Red Warriors battled to a 3-3 draw against University of Santo Tomas on Thursday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
UE now has eight points and a minus-15 goal difference -- just seven points behind the Golden Booters who have 15 points and 0 GD.
Both teams still have two matches left in their elimination round schedule.
"Actually, I'm proud of these players (and) proud of my team. In spite of the fact of not having enough facilities, this team will really train on a regular basis. But you know, in the game, they showed their heart and their pride," said UE coach Frank Muescan.
Edmar Adonis' cross met Jerome Abarca for a long-range goal in the second minute, setting a dream start for UE, but UST answered with three unanswered goals.
Chris Valderama scored at the 27th minute before Kyler Escobar fired twice as the Golden Booters suddenly found themselves with a two-goal cushion.
UE's chances as the match progressed eventually turned into back-to-back goals bridging the interval. UST goalkeeper Miguel Abada tried to save an initial attempt on the counterattack, but the ball bounced off his right hand. Eldrin Madrid was there on the rebound and headed the ball into the goal for the Red Warriors' second.
In the second half, the two squads figured in a back-and-forth action until the Red Warriors was given a kick from the penalty spot, which Edmar Adonis turned into the equalizer at the 77th minute.
Multiple chances for a winner went begging for UE, including a Keith Hermoso shot in stoppage time as his shot hit the near post.
"Actually, UE is a future team. I've been with them for like 10 months and I'm looking forward for them in the next season and the rest of the season to come. Ito mag e-excel to," Muescan said.
The Red Warriors will have their hands full against league-leading Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles on Thursday.
UST's day further went south as John Mark Garcia was sent off in the 82nd minute with two yellow cards in the match.
The Golden Booters will face the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons on Sunday.