Under a gloomy Saturday afternoon was a high-scoring showdown between the UST Golden Booters (1-1-0) and the Ateneo Blue Eagles (1-1-0) in their second game of Ang Liga Season 19, resulting in a 3-3 scoreline draw, September 2, 2023, at the UP Diliman Football Pitch.

Both teams would struggle on offense throughout the majority of the second half. But at the 86th minute, a header by Ilonggo winger Francis Botovara pushed UST to a commanding 3-2 lead against the Blue Eagles.

During the 94th minute in extra time, substitute Nico Matugas provided a late header for Ateneo, just enough to tie the game once again and result in a 3-3 draw between the two teams.

Both teams now have a record of 1 win and 1 draw in the group stage.

The Golden Booters started things off strong early out of a scorcher by Negrense winger Chris Valderama at the 9th minute of the game, giving UST a comfortable 1-0 lead.

Ateneo would then respond at the 20th minute with a set play from Ateneo midfielder Andy Roxas, dishing it up for winger Luard Abaa for his first goal of the game, tying the game at 1-1.

Valderama would score again for UST at the 25th minute, after an assist was provided by the veteran winger for his second goal to give the lead back to the Golden Booters at 2-1.

However, Abaa would step up again for Ateneo during the 46th minute in extra time after being provided with an assist and scoring at the exact same play for a brace of his own, drawing 2-2 at halftime and setting up a thrilling second half.

UST is hoping to bounce back in its upcoming face-off against the UP Fighting Maroons on September 9, in the same venue.

The Ang Liga Season 19 tournament will run in its group stages until September 30, while the playoffs have yet to be announced at the time of writing.