Shan Lorque celebrates after scoring for UP against FEU in the UAAP Season 88 men's football tournament, September 25, 2025 at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite. UAAP Media
MANILA -- The University of the Philippines emerged triumphant against defending champion Far Eastern University, 3-1, in the UAAP Season 88 men's football tournament on Thursday at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite.
It was a vengeful win for the Fighting Maroons, who lost to the Tamaraws in a tense Final 4 showdown in Season 87.
This time around, they surged ahead 2-0 at the half courtesy of Ramil Bation III, who scored in the 18th minute then set up Shan Lorque for another goal in the 42nd minute.
FEU pulled one back in the 58th minute through Selwyn Mamon, but UP restored a two-goal cushion in the 79th minute when Florenz Tacardon struck off an assist by Rehmat Sidhu.
The result put the Fighting Maroons at the top of the table with six points, two clear of the University of Santo Tomas.
It also marked a winning return for coach Popoy Clarino, who missed their season opener due to a suspension stemming from last season's ill-tempered semis match against the Tamaraws.
"It was a good game. We covered all our objectives coming from our last game," Clarino said. "We had a lot of opportunities to play through the midfield. And from the match against UE, I think the players brought in the fight, and they stepped up to the challenge."
Jake Morallo, the FEU's high school boys football coach, took over on an interim basis after the newly appointed coach, Sergei Duque, withdrew on the eve of the match, reportedly due to health issues.
UP will have a week-long break before facing De La Salle on Oct. 2, while FEU returns to action on Sunday against Adamson.