The University of Santo Tomas Junior Golden Booters dropped their second round game against the Far Eastern University - Diliman Baby Tamaraws, 2-3, in the UAAP Season 87 juniors’ football tournament, on Saturday, March 13, at the University of Diliman Football Pitch.

Rookie Argos Alingalan broke the deadlock early as a cross from Jarod Punzalan allowed him to score a goal for UST just two minutes in, 1-0.

Alingalan saw another chance in the sixth minute, but he missed the first touch and gave up possession to FEU.

Two consecutive shots by the Baby Tamaraws in the 9th and 12th minute was then swatted off by goalkeeper Marco Jalog.

A UST corner kick in the 44th minute gave them a chance to net a second goal, but the Baby Tamaraws’ defense remained firm to simmer down the sequence.

The Diliman-based squad then scored the equalizer after a direct shot from Philip Martinez’ went past Jalog, 1-1.

Jessy Ramasola immediately attempted to put UST up by one in the 47th minute with a corner kick, but FEU’s defense line was able to swat it off the goal.

A direct shot attempted by Arvin Alayon from outside the penalty box then gave the Baby Tamaraws their second goal of the game, 1-2.

Lance Locsin had a chance to equalize in the 55th minute, but his direct shot was again denied by the Baby Tamaraws’ defense.

Nathan Absalon stepped up to take a free kick in the 66th minute, but overcooked the shot.

Baby Tamaraw Czam Acuesta breezed past the UST defense before putting the ball at the back of the net in the 93rd minute, 1-3.

Forward Joshua Baliner then scored the Junior Golden Booters’ second goal just as the game resumed in the 94th minute, courtesy of a cross from Kurbe Dairo, 2-3.

The Espana-based squad rushed to attempt an equalizer in the final minutes of the match but were ultimately fended off by FEU.

Despite losing the non-bearing game, Junior Golden Booter assistant coach David Basa emphasized that if they were to face FEU-D again in the championships, at least the team would be able to keep their momentum.

“If ever kaming magtapat sa finals, dapat maganda ‘yung performance namin ngayon para ‘yung confidence namin going to that game [ay andoon pa rin],” said Basa.

The Junior Golden Booters, who finished in second place after all elimination games, and will face the third-ranked De La Salle Zobel Junior Green Booters in the semifinals, on Saturday, March 22, in the same venue.