By Vince Matthew Jaramilla

Coming off a brace in their last game, Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Booter rookie Edgar Aban extended his impressive play, scoring two more goals in their 4-0 victory over the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 men's football tournament earlier today, October 3, at the University of the Philippines Diliman Football Pitch in Quezon City.

Aban notched the brace in just the first half with his successful kicks in the 25th and 43rd minutes. In their win contra Adamson University last September 15, the rookie also scored both his goals before halftime.

In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, the rookie shared his shock and joy for his achievement.

"Na-shock po ako dahil naka-goal po ako pero stick lang kami sa ipinapagawa ng coach namin. Masaya po ako dahil unti-unti po naming nakukuha 'yung [mga] panalo at sana po mapanalo namin 'yung next game namin (I was shocked because I scored, but we just stick to our coach's instructions. I'm happy because we're gradually getting wins and hopefully, we will also win our next game)," he said.

Tamaraw Booters head coach Roman Olivier then spoke with pride about the young booter’s performance.

"I have no words. What can I say? You see already, right? Even the second goal, before he scored, he just shot to the post—crazy shot… I think you will find better words to describe what he's doing. I mean, it's just amazing," the tactician stated.

Earlier in the match, the green-and-gold booters struggled to break through the red-and-white defense, coming close but unable to finish.

Fortunately, UE faced the same issue as the FEU defenders and goalie Mon Diansuy remained solid amid multiple pushes.

As the first to convert from the fray, Tamaraw Aban punctured the Warriors' goal upfront with a curving kick to the right to score his first goal.

The Morayta-based rookie punched through a second time, putting FEU up, 2-0, after a series of failed shots from the squad.

Physicality went up to another degree early in the second half, with bodies already down in just the 52nd minute.

Despite this, the green-and-gold booters maintained their momentum, with forward Karl Absalon delivering another goal at the 70-minute mark.

While the game seemed settled by the 86th minute, Tamaraw striker Selwyn Mamon worsened the Red Warriors' bleeding with a glancing header off a throw-in.

UE rallied a few more times before the final whistle, but the FEU goal remained firmly sealed, ending the match, 4-0.

With another win in the books and a week of matches ahead, Coach Olivier mentioned their nonstop preparation and training.

"We have three matches in one week. It's like a crazy schedule for us now—so busy. And we don't stop, tomorrow—training, Saturday—training, preparing [for] the match[es] analyzing what they do… We['re] just pushing," he shared.

The Olivier-led squad will aim to improve their current 2-0-0 win-draw-loss card when they face the Ateneo de Manila University on Sunday, October 6, at the same venue.

(Photo courtesy of the UAAP Media Team)