The UST Golden Booters secured their Final Four slot in the UAAP Season 86 football tournament after dominating the Adamson Soaring Falcons, 6-1, on Thursday, April 25, at the UP Diliman Football Pitch.

With the win, the Golden Booters clinched the third spot with 20 points and a plus-15 goal difference.

Hat-trick hero TJ Garciano drew first blood for UST after finding the back of the net in the 29th minute to give UST a 1-0 lead coming into halftime.

UST went on an offensive rampage in the second half after Chris Valderama whipped a long volley past Adamson goalie Andrew Nalog in the 65th minute to give the Golden Booters their second goal.

Valderama scored a brace in the 69th minute, bringing the lead to 3-0, before Garciano netted his second goal in the 74th minute to widen UST’s lead, 4-0.

Golden Booter substitute Francis Botavara provided impact off the bench after scoring the España-based squad’s fifth goal of the match in the 77th minute through an assist from Valderama.

Adamson scored a consolation goal in the 85th minute after Angel Barra converted from the penalty spot.

Garciano then completed his hat-trick in added time to finish off Adamson.

UST head coach Marjo Allado credited Garciano and the bench’s second half performance for their win over the Falcons.

"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," said Allado.

With one game left, UST aims to end their season 86 campaign on a high as they face the top-seeded UP Fighting Maroons on Sunday, April 28 at the same venue.