Lucas Aguilar delivered the decisive late heroics as 10-man De La Salle University rallied past archrival Ateneo de Manila University, 3-2, to become the third team to clinch a Final Four berth in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament on Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Coming off the bench for Adrian Peciller before halftime, Aguilar made an immediate impact in the closing stages.
He drew a penalty after being fouled inside the box by Ateneo defender Alexander Santos, allowing teammate Adrian Sean Aparilla to convert from the spot in the 75th minute.
The De La Salle Zobel alumnus then completed the comeback with a right-footed winner in the 90th minute, lifting the Green Booters back to the top of the standings with 20 points.
The Green Booters moved ahead of second-placed Adamson Soaring Falcons (19 points) and third-placed UP Fighting Maroons (18 points).
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“We were tired, but the team stepped up. I’m happy with the boys,” said Aguilar. “Most of the time, I just play, lay my heart out, and fight for the school. But, yeah, [it] feels good. [It] feels good to make a contribution that helped us win today. I’m so glad we got into the top four.”
While La Salle secured its place in the semifinals, Ateneo’s Final Four hopes are hanging by a thread.
The Blue Eagles remain sixth in the standings with just eight points and are on the brink of missing the semifinals for the second consecutive year, with even a single point for University of Santo Tomas enough to eliminate them from contention.
Ateneo initially seized control in the first half after conceding John Gaverza’s 11th-minute opener for the Green Booters.
Diego Angeles restored parity before Dov Cariño put the Blue Eagles ahead in the 38th minute.
The Blue Eagles appeared poised to pull away after La Salle was reduced to 10 men following Neil Estempador’s dismissal for a second yellow card in the 35th minute.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
However, Ateneo failed to capitalize on its numerical advantage, allowing the resilient Green Booters to dig deep and mount a dramatic late comeback.
“From what I tell my players, our goal is not only to be part of the top four, but as much as possible, we can go for the top spot,” said coach Richard Leyble after his team completed an elimination-round sweep of Ateneo, following up its 3-0 victory on October 4.
“Why not? Let’s just continue with the winning mentality and maintain discipline inside the field.”
Both teams return to action on Thursday, with Ateneo needing a victory over UST to keep its slim Final Four hopes alive at 2 p.m. La Salle, meanwhile, takes on Adamson at 7 p.m.
