Mark Tobias’ 90th-minute strike gave the University of the Philippines a 2-1 win over Philippine Dragons FC in the 2023 Copa Paulino Alcantara at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex Wednesday evening.
This is now the second straight win for the Fighting Maroons, who missed out on the Final Four of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 men’s football tournament, in Group B.
The Dragons opened the scoreboard after Jan Caraig’s left-foot strike in the 25th minute went into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead.
The lead won’t last long, however, as UP equalized five minutes later thanks to a header by Ramil Bation III.
Head coach Popoy Clarino told Daily Tribune that while he is happy with the win, his wards will be eager to get better after a bad game.
“You have to give it to the boys. They have that determination until the end. But we have to improve from this game,” Clarino said.
“We gave the ball away cheaply but knowing the boys, they want to bounce back from this games.”
Up next for UP is Dynamic Cebu FC on 19 August at the same venue.
Clarino said the team will be excited for this match with former Maroons JB Borlongan, Kintaro Miyagi, Ace Villanueva and UAAP Season 78 Most Valuable Player Daniel Gadia sharing the pitch with them.
“They’re very excited because they look up to those players like Gadia, Borlongan, Miyago and Villanueva. We’re very excited to play against them that’s why the goal for us to really get better from this game (against the Dragons),” Clarino said.