Shan Lorque capitalized with aplomb in stoppage time to propel the University of the Philippines to the top seed in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Football Final Four, following a 2-1 victory over the University of Santo Tomas on Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
The Masbate National Comprehensive High School product delivered a clinical finish in the 90+2 minute, sealing the win as the Fighting Maroons secured first place heading into the Final Four.
The decisive moment came after the Golden Booters failed to clear their lines off midfielder Jian Caraig’s long throw-in, allowing Lorque to pounce on the loose ball inside the box.
Lorque’s late intervention enabled UP to lock up the top spot with 29 points.
Joining the Fighting Maroons in the top-two bracket is Far Eastern University with 23 points, as both teams officially clinched the twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“The game was a very good wake-up call for us,” said coach Popoy Clarino. “We talked about responsibilities, and (the players) stepped up to the challenge. It was anyone’s game.
He went on, “Either team could have won it. We were fortunate enough to be granted the win, so hats off to all the players today.”
UP struck early, taking the lead just five minutes into the match.
Caraig launched one of his trademark long throws into the UST penalty area, where defender Josh Merino finished from close range to put the Fighting Maroons ahead.
UST responded with sustained pressure, particularly in the second half, and eventually found the equalizer.
Center-back Jarred Regis was in the right place at the right time, pouncing on the rebound after UP goalkeeper Fonzy Gonzalez made an initial save on a long-range attempt.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The victory marked UP’s second win over UST this season, having also claimed a 2-1 decision in their first-round meeting last October 16.
Moreover, the Fighting Maroons extended their unbeaten run to 11 matches and will look to close out the elimination round on a high note when they face the De La Salle University Green Booters on Thursday at 6:30 PM.
DLSU is in a must-win situation to secure a Final Four berth.
“We’re looking to gain confidence heading into the semifinals,” said Clarino. “We don’t want to take our foot off the pedal. We want to keep going, we want to grow, and we want to take on the responsibility of making sure we give our best for the university and all our supporters.”
Despite the loss, the Golden Booters remain in third place with 18 points heading into the semifinals.
UST will wrap up the elimination round against FEU in a Final Four preview on Thursday at 4:30 PM.
