UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas ended a six-year wait to make it to the title round with a 1-0 win over Ateneo at extra time in the UAAP Season 80 men’s football tournament yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Conrado Dimacali’s header from a saved attempt in the 105th minute put the Growling Tigers in front.
The Blue Eagles tried to equalize and possibly send the match to penalties but Koko Gaudiel’s free kick deep in extra time hit the crossbar.
Proud owners of league-best 35 titles, UST will face the other semifinal winner between University of the Philippines and De La Salle in the one-game final next week at the same Malate venue.
“For the players, deserving sila na maglalaro sila sa Finals kasi ginawa nila lahat kanina. We didn’t give up. We didn’t give in sa game since first half,” said coach Marjo Allado, after the Tigers secured their first championship appearance since the 2011-12 season.
After two seasons of disappointments, including last year’s 1-2 semifinal loss to Ateneo, the Tigers finally got over the hump.
“Masaya kami,” said Allado, whose squad has seven graduating players and are hoping to end their careers as winners. “Motivation namin, no more next year.”
UST last ruled the league in the 2006-07 season when it defeated Far Eastern University in the championship round, when Allado was then an assistant to Nonoy Carpio.
The Tigers were truly wary of the Eagles’ main offensive options Jarvey Gayoso and Enzo Ceniza and found their confidence to win after a scoreless 90 minutes that sent the match into extra time.