Manila: PAREF Southridge held defending champion Far Eastern University-Diliman to a 1-1 draw in the UAAP Season 87 boys’ football tournament at the University of the Philippines-Diliman field. Joziah Kendrick Rance and goalkeeper Paolo Tansingco were instrumental in the Admirals’ performance, denying the Baby Tamaraws an outright ticket to the final.
According to Philippines News Agency, Rance scored his goal in the 17th minute, while FEU-D captain Francis Sambaan equalized in the 45th+4 minute. Tansingco, who was celebrating his 18th birthday, made crucial saves in the second half, preventing league top scorer Jerriemy Biton and substitutes John Incocencio and Arvin Alayon Jr. from scoring.
Southridge’s coach, Sam Bonney, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, emphasizing their adherence to the game plan. Bonney highlighted their primary objective of reaching the Final Four and praised Tansingco for his consistent contributions.
FEU-D maintains its lead in the standings with 19 points. Meanwhile, the University of Santo Tomas advanced to the semifinal round with 16 points after defeating De La Salle Zobel, 2-1. Joshua Moleje’s brace, including a penalty kick in the 13th minute and another goal in the 55th minute, secured the win for UST.
De La Salle’s Justin Concepcion scored in the 73rd minute, but UST goalkeeper Edcel Lauron saved his stoppage-time free kick, preventing a draw. Despite the loss, DLSZ holds 13 points and maintains a four-point advantage over Ateneo.
In another match, Ateneo defeated Claret 3-2. Filbert Tacardon initially scored for Claret with a penalty in the 69th minute. Ateneo responded with two goals from Karl Molina in the 72nd minute and substitute Quintin Angeles two minutes later. Ethan Roxas added another for Ateneo in the 81st minute, although Tacardon netted a header in the 90+8th minute.
Ateneo coach JP Merida acknowledged the importance of securing three points and noted the team’s resilience in the second half. Despite conceding an early goal, Ateneo’s determination led to three consecutive goals, although complacency allowed Claret to score in the final moments.
Southridge stands in fifth place with four points, while Claret remains at the bottom of the standings.