Spain-bound Josh Moleje scored two goals to lead the University of Santo Tomas Junior Golden Booters to victory over the De La Salle Zobel Junior Green Booters, 2-1, on their second round matchup of the UAAP Season 87 junior's football tournament on Saturday, Feb. 22, at the UP Diliman Football Pitch.

The first minutes of the opening half saw a DLSZ attack that was stopped by UST keeper Edcel Lauron.

Both teams continued exchanging possessions, with the Muntinlupa-based squad garnering more chances but were successfully defended by the Junior Golden Booters’ defense.

UST winger Nathan Absalon was then tripped inside the penalty box in the 12th minute, resulting in a penalty shot awarded to the team.

Moleje, also a contender for the Golden Boot award, stepped up to take the penalty and slotted the ball home to score his first goal of the match, 1-0.

The Junior Golden Booters found another chance in the 31st minute, after Yuan Maniscan broke free from the DLSZ’s defense, but the direct shot went wide.

UST continued to knock on the Junior Golden Archers’ defense, collecting multiple chances, but failed to convert.

Moleje then went on a coast-to-coast attack, dribbling through multiple green shirts in the 55th minute, to score his second goal of the game, 2-0.

Another chance was given to the España-based squad on the 62nd minute with a free kick just inside the DLSZ half, but was not counted despite a header pushing the ball past the Junior Green Archers’ keeper.

The next minute saw another supposed goal for the Junior Golden Booters, but was ruled offside.

A Junior Green Archer counter went through the defenses of Lauron, but was successfully cleared by Jarod Punzalan.

Justine Concepcion then scored DLSZ’s first goal in the 74’ after heading the ball past Lauron, 2-1.

UST continued to hold the line versus the Junior Green Archers, successfully defending their lead until the last whistle.

“Binibigyan namin siya [Josh Moleje] ng freedom and confidence talaga sa game. In return, binibigyan niya ‘yung team ng goals,” UST assistant coach David Basa said.

The Junior Golden Booters are now qualified for the semi-finals with a 5-1-1 win-draw-loss standing.

“Preparation for the final 4 and hopefully, championship. ‘Yun talaga… step-by-step,” Basa added.

The team will next face Claret School of Quezon City on Saturday, March 1, in the same venue.