UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas (UST) was forced to a scoreless draw by already-eliminated De La Salle to finish fourth in the eliminations of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 79 men’s football tournament at the Moro Lorenzo Field in Ateneo on Thursday.
The Growling Tigers went all out to secure the No. 3 ranking in the Final Four, but the Green Archers held on their own and played the spoiler’s role.
The Tigers settled for 21 points at No. 4 and will play eliminations topnotcher Ateneo in the knockout semifinals.
Defending champion University of the Philippines and Far Eastern University (FEU) collide in the other half of the Final Four.
The Green Archers, who missed the semifinals for the first time since the format was adopted five years ago, wound up with 16 points.
For Coach Hans Smit, De La Salle’s rebuilding process has started.
“This is the first day of tryouts,” said Smit, whose Green Archers nearly won the crown two years ago only to lose to the Tamaraws in extra time. They finished third last season.
“I’m glad this is over with,” Smit added.
Smit still has something to cheer about as De La Salle routed UP, 5-0, to move closer to completing a double-round sweep of the women’s eliminations with a maximum 21 points at the FEU-Diliman pitch on Wednesday.
UST beat also-ran FEU, 4-2, for 13 points in second place.
The Lady Archers shoot for a sweep against the Tigresses in the final eliminations match today. If they go unscathed, they advance to the finals outright while the No. 2 and No. 3 teams battle for the second championship berth.