Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Booter Karl Absalon emphasized the importance of keeping their composure after falling to the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Booters, 2-4, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 men’s football tourney earlier today, October 17, at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman Football Pitch in Quezon City.

“Kailangan lang namin i-control ‘yung emotions namin, kasi, kanina talaga, kaya namin mapanalo… Nawala sa focus ‘yung laro. Kaya kailangan namin i-improve na next game. Babawi namin ‘yung panalo (We just need to control our emotions, as we could have won earlier… We lost focus. That’s why we need to improve on it in the next game. We will redeem the win),” the Booter said in an interview with FEU Advocate.

Since the start of the game, both ends of the field witnessed a balanced matchup as the Tams adapted to the Tigers’ aggression.

With an evident offensive struggle, FEU quickly turned to a defensive approach, deflecting UST’s passes.

However, the Morayta-based squad gradually lost grip in the first half as UST’s Jan Patrick Baito caught them off guard with a classy fake at the 39th minute.

It was not long until Absalon pulled through with a header goal during the 52nd minute to start the second half.

Shortly after, the España and Morayta teams exchanged goals at the 66th and 78th minute, courtesy of Tarshish Garciano and Al Galario, respectively. The Tamaraws kept their game afloat with a 2-2 tie against the Tigers.

Unfortunately, the green-and-gold booters’ chances at a win began to dwindle as UST’s Archie Belluga shot a penalty kick at the fifth minute of added time, followed by Kristien Elopre three minutes after.

Apart from their loss of composure, Absalon also mentioned that they lacked on the defensive end.

“‘Yung counter ng UST, mga unexpected na atake hindi namin makuha-kuha. Nagkulang kami sa transition sa depensa (UST’s attacks and counters were unexpected. We fell short on transition defense),” he shared.

Meanwhile, head coach Roman Oliver called for a fair game in their next match against UP in another interview with FEU Advocate.

“The players are improving and I’m happy, and, even today, we were better than the opponent. We just need the referees to be fair. That’s it,” he mentioned.

The Oliver-led booters now sit at a 3-0-2 win-draw-loss record as they seek redemption in their following game next Thursday, October 24, at the same venue.

- Joshua Kyle Beltran 

(Photo courtesy of the UAAP Media Team)