By Aine Peralta

Despite being undermanned, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Booters fought back from a goal down to tie with the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Booters, 1-1, in the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s football tourney earlier tonight, October 5, at the University of the Philippines Football Pitch in Quezon City.

The first dismissal came when Karl Absalon received a red card right before halftime.

After being given one yellow card in the first half with another early in the second, RJ Pescadera was the next to get sent off, leaving nine Tamaraw Booters on the pitch.

The green-and-gold squad endured early pressure from UST, as the Tigers controlled possession for much of the first half.

The Morayta-based squad’s resistance was tested in the 27th minute when UST’s Archie Beluga slipped one through Mon Diansuy’s defense, putting FEU down, 0-1.

With two players sent off, FEU was forced to tighten its defense and opted for a counterattacking approach. 

The Tamaraw Booters’ persistence paid off in the 62nd minute when rookie Czam Acuesta scored the equalizer, leveling the match at 1-1.

Despite the disadvantage, FEU held their ground until the final whistle, resulting in a hard-fought draw. 

In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, rookie booter Acuesta admitted to feeling frustrated earlier in the match, emphasizing how UST’s opening goal came off his mistake.

“Nung naka-score ‘yung UST, I was so disappointed since galing sa mistake ko ‘yung score na ‘yun, and I thought to myself na babawi talaga ako. I really feel grateful kasi ‘di naman ako makaka-goal if not for my teammates (When UST scored, I was so disappointed since that score was due to my mistake, and I thought to myself that I will really make up for it. I really feel grateful because I wouldn't have been able to score if not for my teammates),” he said.

Despite the draw, Acuesta viewed the result as a learning experience for the team.

“I think mixed emotions, kasi pinaabot pa namin ng second half para maging wake-up call sa amin, even though we could’ve done better in the first half. So ayun, babawi kami sa next game (I think mixed emotions, because we let it reach the second half before it became our wake-up call, even though we could’ve done better in the first half. We’ll bounce back in the next game),” he stated.

Due to Absalon’s red card and Pescadera’s accumulated yellow cards, both are suspended from playing in FEU’s next match.

The Tamaraw Booters now sit at a 1-1-1 win-draw-loss card and seek redemption as they go contra University of the East on Thursday, October 9, at the same venue. 

(Photo by Melvin James Urubio/FEU Advocate)