UAAP: Baito’s late goal fuels UST’s escape against 10-man FEU

MANILA — Jan Baito scored a dramatic winner in stoppage time to push University of Santo Tomas to a 3-2 triumph over Far Eastern University in the UAAP Season 89 men’s football tournament, Thursday night at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

Baito converted a well-executed free kick in the 90+2 minute to seal all three points for the Golden Booters and extend the Tamaraws’ winless streak to four matches.

The UST forward had earlier doubled his side’s lead in the 11th minute, capitalizing on goalkeeper Lance Sanchez being out of position.

UST improved to nine points with a +4 goal difference, moving five points clear of fifth-placed FEU, which remained ahead of the chasing pack despite its superior +6 goal difference.

The Golden Booters made an early breakthrough through a set piece, with Trez Mariñas opening the scoring just three minutes into the match for his second goal of the season.

FEU pulled one back in the 43rd minute through Theo Libarnes, who scored his third goal of the tournament to give the Tamaraws a lifeline before halftime.

However, FEU’s comeback bid suffered a setback when Francis Sambaan received his second yellow card of the match just before the break, leaving the Tamaraws with 10 men.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, FEU drew level just three minutes into the second half as Karl Absalon tapped home his third goal of the season.

“We tried to take advantage sa isang red card ni FEU and ayun naka goal kami in the last few minutes. Congrats to the boys kase nanalo kami,” said UST head coach Marjo Allado.

The defeat spoiled the return of Selwyn Mamon, one of the Tamaraws’ leading goalscorers, who had missed the previous two matches.