GIO Pabualan and Sherwin Basindanan each scored a goal to lead third-ranked Far Eastern University past second-ranked De La Salle University 2-0, booking a ticket to the UAAP Season 85 Men’s Football final on Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

Their goals will allow FEU to go up against the victor of the ongoing match between Ateneo de Manila University and University of Santo Tomas to win its first championship since Season 77.

The winner-take-all match will be played next Thursday, 5:00 p.m. at Rizal Memorial.

“I think we did enough. At some point in the second half, I think La Salle did their part and also put some pressure. We made some adjustments, and I think we ended strongly,” said coach Vince Santos.

Pabualan broke the deadlock for the Tamaraws in the 27th minute with a fantastic free kick, which was awarded after a mistake by Green Booters' goalie Mig Brosoto.

Basindanan then sealed the win in the 86th minute with a clinical strike past La Salle substitute goalkeeper Enrico Mangaoang after a fine passage of play.

With the win, the Tamaraws have swept the Green Booters this season, winning 2-1 with 10 men last February 26 and 3-0 last April 23.

“This whole season has been really tight. We don’t expect anything to change. Each of these teams can win today, so we’ll prepare when we know,” said Santos about FEU’s upcoming finals clash.

On the other hand, La Salle secured a third-place finish this season.

It proved to be a frustrating match for the Green Booters as players like Mikio Umilin, Isaac Anoh, and Manu Cruel all had good attempts at goal, but they failed to find the back of the net.