Ni Marivic Awitan
Laro Ngayon
(Rizal Memorial Football Stadium)
3:00 n.h. -- UP vs UST (Men Final)
AKSIYONG w a l a n g puknat ang masasaksihan sa paghaharap ng University of the Philippines at University of Santo Tomas sa Finals ng UAAP Season 80 men’s football ngayon sa Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
Nakatakda ang duwelo ganap na 3:00 ng hapon para sa dalawang koponan na huling nagtapat sa kampeonato noong Season 73.
“It has been a while. I’m very excited. UST played so well in their game against Ateneo. I think it’s gonna be an exciting match,” pahayag ni coach Anton Gonzales matapos igupo ng kanyang Maroons ang De La Salle sa nakaraang Final Four round.
Naghahangad naman ng record na 36th championship, determinado ang Tigers na makopo ang titulo para sa pito nilang graduating players na pinangungunahan nina Steven Anotado at Gino Clariño.
“I know UP is a strong team. Kumpleto,” ayon naman kay coach Marjo Allado, ng UST.
Sa pangunguna nina King Miyagi, JB Borlongan at rookie sensation Fidel Tacardon , nakapagtala ang Maroons, ng 11 wins at 4 na draws.
“Kailangang manalo kami sa championship para maibalik agad yun (glory). Kailangan kami ang mag-champion and then maimprove ang program ng UST,” aniya.
Sa nakaraang elimination round, abante ang UP sa head-to-head match-up, 2-1.
“Once they (Tigers) come together and they play at the top of their game, they are very difficult to beat. So that’s why I’m looking forward to the match. Now na nagka-second wind ang UST. After starting very well but in the middle medyo naging poor yung performance nila but now they are peaking at the right time,” ayon kay Gonzales, hangad bigyan ang UP ng kanilang 18th title overall.