By Dugout Philippines
QUEZON CITY--National University hammered out an emphatic 4-0 win over University of the East, underlining its title aspirations on Thursday in the UAAP Season 78 men's football tournament at the Moro Lorenzo Field inside the Ateneo campus.
The Bulldogs, who are eyeing to improve from their fifth place finish last season, overcame a sluggish start with a fluid counter attacking in the second half to gain full three points.
Earlier, University of Santo Tomas turned back Adamson University, 2-1, to join NU and De La Salle on top of the table.
Nico Macapal struck on the 85th minute via a cross by rookie Marvin Viray and converted a header from a Francis Abalunan free kick which sealed the deal for NU.
“I’m satisfied with the result but not the game itself. Konti lang ang lumabas sa gameplan, we need to improve our system,” said Bulldogs coach Wilhelm Laranas.
NU struggled in the early goings until in the 37th minute, when Lawrence Colina opened the scoring.
The Bulldogs then doubled the lead after Paolo Salenga nailed the spot kick off a foul by Red Warrior JRV Malayo inside the box.
Rookie AJ Pasion slotted the 40th minute goal which Falcons keeper Carl Viray misread before Darwin Busmion struck seven minutes after the restart to give the Growling Tigers a 2-0 lead.
“I’m happy with the result,” said UST coach Marjo Allado. “Pasion has a lot of chances in the first half pero denied siya palagi.”
Adamson, which is on its second season since returning in men’s football last season, pulled one back on a booming goal by Jusuel Pilarca on the 80th minute but the San Marcelino-based booters could not find the opportunity for the equalizer in the end.
The winningest squad in the league with 35, the Tigers hope to rebound from their sixth place finish last year.
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