UP at cusp of postseason berth

c/o UAAP

Women's Football Matches on Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium

4 p.m. - DLSU vs Ateneo

6:30 p.m. - UST vs FEU

MACKY Tobias struck as University of the Philippines defeated a strong-willed Adamson University 1-0 in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament on Thursday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

Tobias, who scored the championship-sealing penalty kick in the Season 86 final against Far Eastern University, unleashed a powerful shot that initially hit the post before crossing the line in the 44th minute of the match.

Despite the victory, Clarino still wants UP to keep on pushing to boost its momentum as the season reaches its climax, especially since he felt that the Fighting Maroons were underwhelming against the Soaring Falcons.

“The goal is to set high standards,” said UP Coach Popoy Clarino. “If we want to defend our title, we have to wake up and put our feet on the ground and work as hard as we can.”

Before Tobias struck, Soaring Falcons goalkeeper Christian Jed Lauron kept the defending champions at bay by denying the likes of Ramil Bation III, Joseph Garces and Viggo Herce.

It was a similar story in the second half as Lauron performed multiple saves to keep Adamson in the game. Lee Christian Hayahay, Pius Marcus Cueno and Prince Baculot all had chances to equalize for the Soaring Falcons but none found the net.

Adamson had a late free kick near the end of the match, which was eventually saved by UP goalkeeper Chevey Deo Celeste to claim the three points.

“Fantastic si Lauron,” said Clarino. “He played very well. I think he made some crucial saves — top class saves — and we have to give him credit for that.”

The result elevated the Fighting Maroons to second in the standings with 19 points and a plus-10 goal difference, which allowed them to earn at least a playoff for a Final Four ticket.

Now on a four-match winning streak, UP will try to seal a Final Four ticket against University of Santo Tomas this Sunday at 6:30 p.m.

After absorbing a second straight loss, the Soaring Falcons remained bottom of the standings with three points and a -26 GD. Adamson faces Ateneo de Manila University this Thursday at 2 p.m. and will close its campaign against University of the East on December 1 at 2 p.m.