UP routs UST, regains top spot in UAAP

UNIVERSITY of the Philippines (UP) reclaimed the top spot in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80 men’s football tilt after opening its second round campaign with a 4-0 romp over a ten-man University of Sto. Tomas (UST) on Sunday at the Far Eastern University-Diliman Football Field in Quezon City.

Striking twice in both halves, the Maroon Booters returned atop the eight- team standings with their sixth win along with two draws for 20 points.

The unbeaten State U also leaped back to the winning track following a 1-1 draw with the same

The Golden Booters suffered their second loss and remained at No. 3 with 14 markers on four wins and two draws.

Rookie forward Fidel Tacardon fired off UP’s scoring spree in the 39th minute. Moments later, UST’s veteran striker Steven Anotado got ejected for punching a Maroon Booter.

The Diliman- based footballers exploited the depleted squad from España as Jeremiah Borlongan doubled the cushion in first half stoppage time.

scoreboard via Tacardon’s assist two minutes after the restart before Christian Lapas closed the rout - sion near the hour mark.

Meanwhile, bitter rivals At to a goalless draw.

With the stalemate, the defending champ Blue Booters dropped to No. 2 with 19 points on a 6-1-2 win- draw- loss record while the Green Booters slid to No. 5 with 13 markers on a 4-1-4 card.

In the curtain-closer, National back win at the expense of the

Lawrence Colina fired a hat the other goal as the Bulldogs rebounded from a 0- 1 loss to

NU re-entered the magic four with 13 points and a superior goal difference over La Salle.

The Falcons fell to the brink of elimination with their ninth