By Fibby Ann Mercado

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Booters nervously bowed down to the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 1-3, in the opening of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s football tournament earlier today, September 25 at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Cavite.

In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, Tamaraw Booters assistant coach Paulo Bugas explained the holes in his players’ composure but emphasized the lessons they learned while having to acclimate to their first game back in the UAAP.

"I think may sinasabi tayong 'first-time jitters,' and for us, I think it's good na it happened in the first game. Alam naman namin na hindi magandang natatalo (We know that it doesn’t feel good to lose), especially kapag defending champions, but it also gave us the insights on what to improve sa mga following games,” he said.

In an attempt to keep steady pacing of the game, FEU was able to save a free kick from UP from the get-go, but Ramil Bation III snuck past FEU to score their first goal on the 18-minute mark, 0-1.

Despite several tries from FEU to equalize in the first half, they were unable to secure their first goal. 

Tamaraw goalkeeper Mon Diansuy fought hard to keep the team in the game, but the Fighting Maroons managed to score again, extending the gap to 0-2 in the 42-minute mark  courtesy of UP’s Shan Lorque. 

During the second half, the Morayta-based booters mounted a spirited offense with three consecutive goal attempts, but they still could not convert due to the Maroons’ tight defense.

By the 59th minute, Selwyn Mamon stepped up and successfully scored, cutting the deficit to one point, 1-2.

However, UP’s Flor Tacardon struck again at the 82nd minute, widening the gap to 1-3. 

Mamon and Karl Absalon’s attempts to score once more in the 89th and second minute of stoppage time were overshadowed by the Diliman-based squad’s defense, ultimately handing the win to UP.

With their first game being a loss, Mamon recognized how all teams are eyeing the crown and how they need to exert extra effort to defend their title.

“Maybe nag-prepare na sila kasi (they started preparing because) we're the defending champions. And [in the] last two seasons, or three, hindi sila nakabawi sa amin, and now, parang nagbe-bear na ‘yung efforts nila na bumawi sa amin (they weren’t able to get back at us, and now, their efforts are showing),” he mentioned.

The FEU Tamaraw Booters will seek to bounce back from their rough start as they clash with Adamson University this Sunday, September 28, at the same venue.

(Photo by Shane Claudine Rodulfo/FEU Advocate)