De La Salle University overcame anxious moments in the second half to edge past University of the Philippines, 2-1, and clinch its first Final Four appearance in three years in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament on Thursday at the UP Football Stadium.
John Gaverza delivered a first-half brace as the Green Booters absorbed wave after wave of pressure from the Fighting Maroons, holding firm until the final whistle.
The Barotac Nuevo National Comprehensive High School alumnus opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a header before doubling La Salle’s lead in the 40th minute, finishing off a cross from Lukie Aguilar.
Ramil Bation III pulled one back for UP in the 53rd minute, injecting urgency into the Fighting Maroons’ attack.
Bation nearly found the equalizer in the 70th minute, but his effort rattled the crossbar following a poor clearance by the Green Booters.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
La Salle survived the late onslaught to book its first Final Four stint since Season 85. It finishes the eliminations with 16 points — one clear of Ateneo, which slid from third at the resumption of play last January 15, to fifth at the end of the round.
Fielding a relatively young roster under first-year head coach Richard Leyble, the Green Booters will face the Fighting Maroons anew in the Final Four on February 8 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
“We know that we played against a Goliath team. A very strong team. The number one team, but we didn’t care. We trained, then I told them, just follow the instructions. Follow the play, then let it be. If we lose, it’s okay, but better to win,” Leyble said.
“I’m very proud of this team. I’m very proud of every player. The boys played well. They followed the instructions I said, especially in the attacking third, that don’t waste the chance. Make a score,” he added.
Despite the loss that snapped its 11-match unbeaten run this season, UP still finished atop the standings with 29 points and will carry a twice-to-beat advantage against La Salle in the semifinals.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
With the stakes raised, the Fighting Maroons hope the break will allow them to better figure out the Green Booters. UP and La Salle played to a goalless draw in the first round.
The elimination-round finale was a make-up of the postponed November 9 clash due to Super Typhoon “Uwan.”
Meanwhile, the result also ended Ateneo’s campaign, snapping a streak of eight consecutive Final Four appearances dating back to Season 77 (2015). The Blue Eagles were hoping for a UP win or draw to force a “Battle of Katipunan” semifinal.
The other Final Four pairing will see No. 2 Far Eastern University, which also holds a twice-to-beat advantage, face third-ranked University of Santo Tomas. – TJ
