The UST Golden Booters ended their Ang Liga Season 19 campaign after a close 3-4 defeat in their quarterfinal showdown against the De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde Blazers on Saturday, Oct. 21, at the UP Diliman Pitch.

The Golden Booters were eliminated from further contention, even though they finished as the top team in the tournament's group phase.

The Golden Booters lost grip of the game early, conceding multiple goals early before sparking an endgame push that was a little too late.

Veteran winger Chris Valderama mounted a spirited comeback with a scorcher in the 87th minute to pull within two goals, after Frank Semilla’s 84th-minute goal pushed CSB’s lead to 1-4,

UST’s Sam Louie Alegre then converted a goal in the 91st minute which inched them closer, 3-4. However, the comeback attempt fell short after the Golden Booters failed to equalize in the remaining period of extra time, yielding the victory to the Blazers.

With the win, CSB occupied the second semi-final spot in the tournament.

Seizing control from the get-go, the Blazers drew first blood in the scoring tally early in the 12th minute of the match after CSB winger Neil Borja converted a saved free kick and gave a 1-0 headstart for the Blazers.

The Golden Booters equalized via great finish by striker Archie Belluga in the 33rd minute mark. However, he was issued with his second yellow card for taking off his shirt in celebration of the goal, forcing him to sit out for the rest of the match.

The match remained in a draw, until CSB's Tolentino scored a 57th minute scorcher which snagged back the lead for the Taft-based squad.

Blazers striker and team captain Clyde Vitualla lined up a powerful header in the 64th minute, extending their advantage to 3-1 and ultimately sealed UST’s fate.

The Golden Booters will now focus on the upcoming UAAP Season 86 football tournament, scheduled in the second term of the academic year.