The University of the Philippines (UP) disposed the University of Santo Tomas (UST), 2-0, to remain alive in Season 85 of the UAAP women’s football championship in the penultimate elimination game Saturday in home soil.

Right back Kim Yoo-Jin sizzled with a rare Olympic goal from her right corner kick in the 27th minute to knock on the championship door, where Far Eastern University awaits.

In the 55th minute, Khryztel Muring scored off her own miss from another corner set piece initiated by Kim.

The Golden Tigresses had a their offensive chances after Muring’s goal but were unsuccessful in three set pieces from their final third coming into the 80th minute.

UST’s only shot on goal came in the 86th minute but the right wing free kick from Nathalie Absalon was handily saved by goalkeeper Frances Acelo.

“We tried out a new formation, their understanding was satisfactory,” said UP head coach Anto Gonzales, crediting his defenders for securing the win for State U.

“I’ll give the team a passing grade,” Gonzales continued. “The instruction was from the very start to try to control the game because UST will play really fast [and] very direct. So what we wanted to do was to dictate the tempo, slow things down, and control the ball well.”

The Lady Maroons ended their season with four wins, two draws, and two losses for 14 tournament points and is tied with De La Salle University for second and third place.

They will next face the Lady Archers in the playoff for the last championship slot on May 13.

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