UAAP: Garces strikes to power UP over La Salle

MANILA — University of the Philippines handed De La Salle University a 1-0 defeat on Thursday, ending their unbeaten run in the UAAP Season 89 men’s football tournament.

Joseph Garces fired the marginal goal in the 62nd minute off a pinpoint pass from Flor Tacardon. 

The victory allowed UP to leapfrog La Salle into second place with 11 points and a +3 goal difference. Idle Adamson University remained atop the standings with 13 points.

UP’s Joseph Garces celebrates after scoring against La Salle in the UAAP Season 89 men’s football tournament, October 22, 2026 at the UP Diliman Football Stadium. UAAP Media“It was a constant battle; we had to compete with every challenge, and kudos to the team. That’s what we wanted to see: that our team ay kaya makapagpalitan ng mukha,” said UP head coach Popoy Clariño.

Both teams struggled to create chances in the first half, but Garces’ introduction after the restart proved to be a game-changer for UP.

Ramil Bation had an opportunity to break the deadlock in the 34th minute, but his attempt was denied by La Salle goalkeeper Iñigo Castro, who kept the Green Booters level.

La Salle pushed for an equalizer late in the match, but UP’s backline held firm to preserve the clean sheet and seal the victory.

The Fighting Maroons will look to finish the first round on a high note when they face this season’s revelation, the Adamson Soaring Falcons, at 2 p.m. on Sunday at their home pitch.

Third-placed La Salle, which has 10 points, will also aim to close out its first-round campaign with a win when it takes on the University of Santo Tomas at 7 p.m. on Sunday at the same venue.