The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons enters the UAAP men’s football finals Thursday, blanking the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 3-0, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
The winner-take-all final four match was a lopsided game for the top seed Maroons from the get-go, as Daniel Gadia paced his squad in the midfield, cherry picking on open players for shots on goal.
Gadia’s efforts bore fruit with a nifty pass to Kyle Magdato, who struck a groundball at the 23rd minute for the opening goal.
King Miyagi then sank a volley off a looping kick by Gadia for the second goal at the 37th minute, stymying the hopes of the Growling Tigers.
UST responded with more control of their possessions in the second half but could not capitalize despite a couple of mishandled saves by UP goalkeeper Ace Villanueva.
Sub Arvin Resuma went for the killer in the first minute of penalty time of the second half, eluding UST’s goalkeeper Jose Abraham off the dribble and striking an uncontested goal.
The Fighting Maroons, who are dedicating the season for their deceased midfielder Rogie Maglinas, are out to capture banner number six to become the tournament’s winningest squad.
Watch out for our slideshow of the game soon!
