UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas pulled off a 5-1 victory over Adamson University Thursday to secure Final Four qualification in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Football Tournament on Thursday at the UP Football Stadium.
The victory gave the Golden Booters 20 points in third place in the table.
UST, which reached the semifinal last year but lost to Ateneo, is five clear of fifth-running De La Salle.
The Blue Eagles, who currently have 17 points, and the Green Booters dispute the remaining Final Four berth on May 2.
Defending champion Far Eastern University (22 points) and University of the Philippines (21 points) are also through the Final Four.
TJ Garciano netted a hat-trick, Chris Valderama scored twice while substitute Francis Botavara also found the back of the net for the Golden Booters.
Argel Barra scored the Falcons’ consolation goal, an 85th-minute penalty.
“We started the game lazy, parang yung game against Adamson, they took it for granted,” said UST coach Marjo Allado.
“Mabuti na lang nag-step up mga subs in the second half. Sila yung nag-change ng outcome, yung tempo ng laro, especially yung contributions ni Garciano, quality ang finishing niya,” he added.
The Falcons ended their season in last place with three points, all from draws.
