The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, reigning kings of University Athletics Association of Philippines football, have begun their campaign to keep the crown, Oct. 8 at the UP Diliman Pitch.
The UP Men’s Football Team emerged victorious in its first game of UAAP Season 89 against the University of Santo Tomas Golden Booters, 2-1. Maroon defender Josh Meriño scored the first goal of the match at the 69th minute, inside the box. There was no coasting for UP as forward Ramil Bation III, later named Man of the Match, secured the two-point cushion at the last minute of regulation. But Val Orate prevented a clean slate for the Fighting Maroons, scoring one for UST at the third minute of stoppage time.
UP ended the match with 12 shots versus UST’s five; six against four shots on target; four versus two corners; and one yellow card against the two incurred by UST.
UPMFT’s next match will be against Katipunan neighbor, Ateneo de Manila University, Oct. 11, 4:30 pm, at the UPD Pitch.
