By Aine Peralta

After falling short of their 13th straight title last season, the Far Eastern University-Diliman (FEU-D) Baby Tamaraws redeemed themselves against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Junior Golden Booters in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 high school boys’ football Final earlier today, April 10, at the University of the Philippines Diliman Football Pitch in Quezon City. 

Amid a defensive battle in the opening half, the Diliman-based booters conceded a goal at the 44-minute mark as UST’s Roy Panunciar capitalized on a defensive lapse to find the back of the net.

However, after several attempts from the wings and set-piece opportunities, the Baby Tamaraws remained scoreless as the clock ticked toward the halftime break, 0-1.

Into the second half, FEU-D immediately ramped up its attacking intent, with Jacob Keleghan coming close through consecutive goal attempts that tested the Golden Booters’ backline, but were denied by crucial saves and defensive blocks.

The Jake Morallo-led squad finally broke through in the 85th minute when Sambher Abrenica found space inside the goal box to slot home the equalizer, 1-1. 

With momentum in full swing, midfielder Enzo Panganiban whipped a well-placed ball into the area of defender James Maxdel Torres, who buried a header in the third minute of added time to snatch the title, 2-1.

In a post-game interview, green-and-gold head coach Morallo expressed his joy in the team’s performance, crediting the team’s composure and belief in their system despite the pressure of a championship-deciding match.

“We’re very happy sa pinakita ng boys — even though late kami naka-score, naka-equalize. But then, ‘yung puso, the way they play right now — we’re very proud of them. Super happy kami, lalo na since naibalik ang korona sa FEU (We’re very happy with what the boys showed — even though we scored and equalized late. But then, the heart, the way they play right now — we’re very proud of them. We’re super happy, especially since the crown has been returned to FEU),” he shared.

Meanwhile, assistant coach Paolo Bugas echoed the same sentiment, highlighting the team's character in the closing stages of the match. 

“This game is all about character. Every team wants it, but you want to be in the position of the team that wants it more. In the last 10 to 15 minutes, we were in that position. Ang ganda ng feeling kasi we made it possible and nakuha namin ‘yung gold (It’s such a great feeling because we made it possible and we got the gold). Gold is the goal for today,” he expressed.

Bugas also highlighted how the team’s composure stood out the most, noting that their emotional control allowed them to stay disciplined and finish the match despite UST’s persistent fight.

“At least they controlled all their emotions, very composed until the last minute na goal, happy kami [ng] mga coaches and even ‘yung mga players, very happy kami makita composure nila throughout the game na they really did fight even though UST is still fighting also, at least we’re there to finish the job,” he said.

Complementing the team’s redemption, Baby Tamaraw standouts Torres and Leowell Fabela earned this season’s Most Valuable Player and Best Defender award, respectively.

With the victory, FEU-D officially settled their trilogy against their España-based rivals to secure the team’s 13th championship title and end their one-year title drought.

(Photo by Shane Claudine Rodulfo/FEU Advocate)