The UST Golden Booters came up short against the UP Fighting Maroons, 1-2, faltering late in their season opener of the UAAP Season 86 men’s football tournament on Sunday, Feb. 17, at the UP Diliman Football Pitch.

The Golden Booters secured their first and only goal of the match in the 16th minute after veteran midfielder Andrew Ramos seized the opportunity off a Chris Valderama assist, drawing first blood to lead at the break, 1-0.

UP tried to equalize at the extra minutes of halftime off of Jan Donato attempts in back-to-back botched possessions.

Momentum swung on the other front as the Fighting Maroons equalized off a Francis Tacardon finish at the 60th-minute mark, putting the match in deadlock, 1-1.

UP responded with a 75th-minute tap-in header by rookie substitute Austin Basconcillo, snatching the advantage, 1-2.

UST struggled to create goal opportunities throughout full-time, ultimately yielding the victory to the Fighting Maroons.

The Golden Booters were dealt three yellow cards at halftime, highlighted by their defense-oriented style of play.

Both teams caved in with injury bugs and saw four Golden Booters go down in the second half of play.

The UST Golden Booters look to regroup and pick up their first win against the Adamson Soaring Falcons on Thursday, Feb. 22, at the same venue.