Not even a turbulent campaign could prevent the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons from making the UAAP Season 81 Men’s Football Tournament Final Four.
On the back of Kyle Magdato’s exploits, State U booked a place in this year’s post-season with a 3-0 victory over the University of the East Red Warriors, Thursday morning at the Far Eastern University-Diliman turf.
The result elevates Anto Gonzales’ men to second place with 26 points as of this writing, as their superior goal difference allows them to overtake the FEU Tamaraws. However, their final opponent and placing will be determined after this afternoon’s games.
“That was the main goal. First at stake is full three points, worst is one point. At least (qualification) is in the bag. We can now focus on preparing for the semi-finals,” said Gonzales.
The Fighting Maroons finally broke past the Red Warriors six minutes from the halftime break thanks to Magdato’s goal, after a fine combination play between skipper Kintaro Miyagi and winger JB Borlongan.
Upon the game’s resumption, Magdato again struck for State U in the 51st minute. The national team player unleashed a fantastic shot that went over UE goalkeeper Frank Rieza, which all but sealed the Diliman school’s’ entry into the post-season. Daniel Saavedra then headed Jerold Facturanan’s corner in the 65th minute to put the icing on the Fighting Maroons’ cake.
“We have not been at our best but our performances as of late, especially in the second round, have improved tremendously compared to the first round so that’s one thing I’m pretty happy about. But, I can still see that we’re far from our best,” added Gonzales.
UP now await the result of this afternoon’s clash between FEU and the De La Salle University to know whom they will face in the Final Four on May 9, 2019, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila. On the other hand, UE end their season with 9 points.
UP XI: Yared (GK), Abraham, Magdato, Clarino, Miyagi (GK), Sanciangco, Togores, Facturanan, Borlongan, Lapas.
UE XI: Absalon, Arboleda, Bagsic, Carandang, Diano ©, Lerion, Marin, Opena, Polinag, Rieza (GK), Vergara.
