The University of the Philippines (UP) advanced to the semifinals after edging Ateneo de Manila University, 1-0, in the UAAP Season 88 men’s football tournament on Thursday night at the UP Diliman Football Field.
Florenz Tacardon delivered the winning goal in the 85th minute, while goalkeeper Fonzy Gonzalez anchored UP’s defense by denying several Blue Eagles’ attempts.
UP, the Season 86 champion, now holds 22 points — five ahead of Far Eastern University. University of Santo Tomas sits third with 14 points after beating the University of the East, 2-1.
“It was a very exciting game. Ateneo always brings in the fight. We were up for the challenge. The goal that Florenz made was really planned — that’s what we wanted to do,” said UP head coach Popoy Clarino.
“That was the target; that cross was perfect and Florenz was in the right place, right time to head the ball in,” he added.
Ateneo goalkeeper JP Tansingco stopped Ramil Bation III’s 56th-minute shot, but Blue Eagle Kofi Agyei missed a key chance in the 79th minute.
“It’s still the same — we take it one game at a time. We look to improve every game. We wanted to inspire the younger generation with how we play, and hopefully, they will want to play for UP,” Clarino said.
Ateneo slipped to fourth place with 11 points, trailed by De La Salle University (nine points) and Adamson University (five points).
UP faces La Salle on Sunday at 6:30 p.m., while Ateneo meets UE on Nov. 16 at 4 p.m.