By Vince Matthew Jaramilla

After losing the championship to them last year, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Booters accomplished their payback against the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 1-0, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 men’s football semifinals earlier today, December 8, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila City.

The Morayta squad came out firing two quick attempts to score in the first five minutes.

Besides their fast-paced offense, FEU’s defenders made sure to nullify UP’s early counterattacks.

In the 18th minute, green-and-gold center forward Theo Libarnes found himself ahead of the pack, but was denied by the maroon backline.

Midway through the first half, the Tamaraw Booters shifted their playstyle to a slower pace while maintaining high physicality.

Unfortunately, FEU’s firepower took a heavy blow as Rookie of the Year candidate Edgar Aban went out at the 40-minute mark due to injury. Karl Absalon went on the field in exchange.

However, the game situation only worsened after five minutes in the first half extension when a commotion erupted after a scramble for the ball between RJ Pescadera and UP’s Flor Tacardon on the sideline.

As a result, a red card was given to Fighting Maroons head coach Popoy Clarino and yellow cards to Tamaraw Booters Mel Baylon and Rustel Buenafe, reducing FEU to a 10-man squad due to Baylon’s past yellow card. Still, the 60-minute first half concluded with a score of nil-nil.

To kick off the second half, it was the Diliman-based squad’s turn to fire up two pushes in the first five minutes. Fortunately, Morayta goalie Mon Diansuy was quick to snuff them out.

FEU found good looks early as well with a corner kick and a Libarnes shot on target in the 60th and 64th minutes, but the scoreboard read the same.

With overtime looming in the 76-minute mark, second stringer Absalon proved his substitution significant as he outran the maroon defenders in the open field, striking high to put the Tamaraw Booters up, 1-0.

The Fighting Maroons rallied continuously to come back, including a free kick from distance, two corner kicks, and one close look all in extra time, but Diansuy kept his clean sheet intact. 

With their victory against the defending champions, FEU has settled the score against UP after their two draws in the eliminations.

The green-and-gold booters also proceed to the title bout for the third consecutive year and ensure a new team to be crowned men’s football kings in UAAP Season 87.

In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, Morayta squad’s head coach Roman Oliver highlighted the Tamaraw Booters’ tough spirit after winning down one player.

“It’s a very good feeling. It was a tough match, [a] very emotional match. We played all the second half with 10 players. They fight like a warrior so even I don’t have words to describe the feelings, so happy, but now we have a final [game] to prepare for next Sunday,” he said.

Coach Roman also mentioned their aim to prove that they deserve to be champions.

"We have to be champion[s]. Our job is to be champion[s]. We have the best team, this is the best university and our work is to show to everyone that we have to be champion[s]."

The Oliver-led squad will try to finish their quest for redemption against the winner of tonight’s semifinal match between Ateneo de Manila University and the University of Santo Tomas next Sunday, December 15, at the same venue.

(Photo by Karch Rafael/FEU Advocate)