Striker Florenz Tacardon shined the brightest for State U by sinking the winning goal for the Fighting Maroons’ 2-1 squeaker past the University of the East (UE) in the UAAP men’s football tournament on Thursday at the University of the Philippines (UP) Football Stadium.

The substitute, fielded in the second half for his more prominent brother Francis, tapped in the ricochet from the crossbar off a set piece scramble to pierce the Red Warriors’ game-long clogging defense for the win in UP’s final possession at the 90+ 6 minute mark.

The goal saved the Fighting Maroons from being buried at fifth place and are now at nine points with three wins and two losses.

“UE played very well, that goal was luck on our part,” a relieved UP manager Popoy Clarino said after the game, alluding to Tacardon’s winner.

The Fighting Maroons had an early chance to score off a penalty after a Nur-Muamar Modin foul inside the box but goalkeeper Joniel Pamati-an was able to save Francis Tacardon’s spot kick in the 23rd minute.

Ramil Bation III, however, broke the dry spell in the 49th minute, forcing his strike in front of the goal while in a tackle with Pamati-an.

Unfazed, UE forward John Bernard Magallon headed in the equalizer in the 80th minute off a long ball from Keith Nayr Hermoso.

But with Florenz Tacardon’s late heroics, the Fighting Maroons move to solo third place coming to the first round closer on Sunday versus Adamson University.

“We played a hell of a game today and we look forward to play better against Ada. I think we need to really get our chances lalo na in front of goal,” he continued.

A win was still elusive though for the Soaring Falcons as the red-hot Far Eastern University (FEU) blanked the Ang Liga champion, 3-0, in the nightcap.

Captain Jermi Darapan was one of two on the spot, sinking his penalty in the 22nd minute though muffing his second serving ten minutes later.

Karl Absalon flushed in a power strike on the running attack in the 65th minute while midfielder Abdulnasser Mustapa finished the job in the 90+ 5 minute mark with a Hail Mary from 40 yards.

“They really want to end the first round in a bang,” said FEU manager Alberto Besa.

“In training we really want them to understand movement—total football as they call it. They must understand the opponent, then move freely to create spaces and chances,” he explained.

The Tamaraws are on a four-game win haul to surge to the top of the table with 12 points off four wins and a loss while the Falcons are still winless but with two draws.

Early in the afternoon, De La Salle University dropped to third place after conceding a second half goal to draw University of Santo Tomas, 1-1.

Franck Anoh sank a penalty in the first half injury time but Tarsish Garciano equalized in the 61st minute for the lone point.

“A draw is not bad kahit nag-drop kami ng two points kasi magkasunod kami ng La Salle at may second round pa naman. Hopefully we will learn from our mistakes,” said UST manager Marjo Allado.

The Green Archers and Growling Tigers drop to fourth and fifth place, respectively.

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