Garces, Donato propel UP to second win against UE

University of the Philippines successfully regained their winning form after clinching their second victory against University of the East, 3-0, in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Football Tournament on Sunday, October 13, 2024 at the UP Diliman Football Stadium. 

After a painful 0-2 loss against Katipunan rivals Ateneo de Manila University on Thursday, October 10, the UP Men’s Football Team displayed their dominance immediately, with Jan Ceena “CJ” Donato scoring the team’s first goal as early as the second minute.

Photo by: Dominic Porras

Despite UP having the advantage in terms of shots taken, 7-3, and corners won, 4–0, they failed to capitalize on these opportunities for the remainder of the first half, leaving the game goal-less for the next 43 minutes. During this time, UE player Mur-Muamar Modin was dismissed, tallying a red card after a bad challenge on Donato at the 35’ minute mark and leaving the Red Warriors to field a 10-man team. 

In the second half, however, rookie and eventual Man of the Match Joseph Kyne Garces scored two goals to up the Maroons’ lead to 3-0. First capitalizing off a Ramil Bation corner kick to nail a header at the 52’ minute mark then making a brace at the 64’ minute mark, Garces was able to propel the Fighting Maroons to a much-needed second win.

With this victory, University of the Philippines climbed up to fourth in the standings with a total of six points and a -3 goal difference. University of the East, meanwhile, remains in third with seven points. 

Ojay Clarino remained as acting coach for the second game in a row in his brother Popoy Clarino’s stead, stating in an interview with the UAAP that the head coach will likely be back in time for the UPMFT’s next match. 

“He’s sick,” said Clarino. “Siguro, fatigue (dahil) wala siya masyado tulog dahil may newborn. Wala siya masyadong rest but he’s recovering. By next game, probably, he’ll be there.”

Awaiting the UP Fighting Maroons are their Season 86 Finals foe, the FEU Tamaraws, on Sunday, October 20, 2024, 6:30 P.M. at the UP Diliman Football Stadium. 

Meanwhile, the UE Red Warriors will face the Ateneo Blue Eagles on October 24, 2024, 6:30 PM, at the same pitch.

This UP Fighting Maroons club post is in partnership with Jiang Nan Hotpot.