THE UNIVERSITY of San Carlos (USC) men’s football team bowed out of the 16th University Games held in Capiz, Roxas City after losing to Ateneo de Manila University, 3-1, yesterday.
The kicking Warriors would have had a chance to advance to the quarterfinals despite the loss if the University of the Philippines Diliman won its match against Dipolog Medical Center. But Dipolog won that game.
Coach Gary Panagsagan said they would not have fared well if they had advanced with four of his key players sustaining injuries.
Karl Arcenas had a hamstring injury, Bernard Rotich and Charles Caballes sustained groin injuries while Ethan Belin Decena contracted fever.
It had been constantly raining in Capiz since the tournament started, making the field muddy and difficult to play in. It also made players prone to injury. /CORRESPONDENT MARS G. ALISON