UNIVERSITY of the Philippines (UP) shut out University of Santo Tomas (UST), 3-0, in their knock-out Final Four Showdown on Thursday to advance to the Season 68 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s football finals at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Ateneo and De La Salle disputed the other championship berth later on Thursday. The one-game final will be on Thursday also at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Kyle Magdato set the tone for the shutout with a 22nd-minute. Rookie King Miyagi doubled the lead in the 37th minute. Both goals came from Daniel Gadia’s assists.
Raphael Resuma nailed the final dagger in the 91st minute when he was left open inside the box.
“Compared to last year, we’re quite consistent this year,” UP coach Anto Gonzales said. “We could have scored more goals but in terms of play and performance, I think this team really covered everything.”
The Fighting Maroons have figured in the finals in six of the last seven seasons. They were denied entry into the championship by the Far Eastern University Tamaraws last year.
“The older players played a big role and the younger players knew that they are free to show their creativity. And they really showed what they are capable of,” Gonzales added.“Defense has been the most stable aspect of our season so far. ‘Hats off to them.”