Action between UP and La Salle in the UAAP Season 87 men's football tournament, December 1, 2024 at the UP Diliman Football Field. UAAP MediaMANILA -- Defending champion University of the Philippines is armed with great momentum heading into the Final 4 of the UAAP Season 87 men's football tournament.
The Fighting Maroons clobbered De La Salle University, 7-0, on Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Field to wrap up their elimination round schedule.
They have not experienced a loss in their last nine matches, and finished with 26 points and a plus-22 goal differential after the elimination round.
Florenz Tacardon opened the scoring with a header inside the box in the 8th minute, then doubled his tally in the 12th minute to complete his first brace of the season.
Rookie Joseph Garces added to UP's lead with a tap-in goal in the 18th minute, and then struck again late in first-half added time, bringing his season total to seven goals.
Liam Lampayan capitalized on a free kick in the 13th minute, while Raiken Comla found the back of the net in the 35th minute.
Jan Ceena Donato completed the scoring in the 78th minute, capping off a brilliant performance by the Fighting Maroons against the down-stricken Green Booters.
"Syempre masaya na nakuha yung panalo especially the first half na maganda ung result, though disappointed sa second half na bumaba na yung intensity. Masaya pero marami parin kailangan pagtrabahuan," said UP head coach OJ Clarino, who filled in for his brother, Popoy Clarino, due to a touchline ban.
It was a dismal end for De La Salle, which, after a scoreless first half, struggled to break through but found no luck, as UP goalkeeper Eric Cachuela kept busy with several crucial saves to deny La Salle any chances.
Graduating from La Salle are Carlos Andan, Enrico Mangaoang, Robby Cruel, Vin Dela Cruz, Paulo Go, and Issei Henares.
The Green Booters concluded their campaign in fifth place with 10 points and a -18 goal difference.