Far Eastern University (FEU) Booters finished with a 1-1 draw against the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors in their second game in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 men’s football tournament at the University of the Philippines Football Field in Quezon City last February 23.

The Tamaraws had a rocky first half riddled with interceptions and sloppy passes as the Red Warriors scored the first and only goal of the half.

FEU was being dominated physically which boiled over into a yellow card for Karl Absalon. 

The added physicality resulted in multiple scuffles that ensued throughout the game.

In the second half, the green-and-gold squad corrected course and avoided the loss after key defensive adjustments and the game-tying goal by Martini Rey in the 54th minute.

During the post-game interview, Head Coach Vincent Santos said that defensive adjustments and added physicality were their keys to tying up the game in the second half.

“We just had to clarify the defensive roles, and I think we needed to show a little bit of muscle also. I think we played soft in the first half, that's all,” he said.

He also added that consistency and taking command of the game were essential for their games moving forward. 

“Just consistency [in] the way we play and starting it off early. Playing the way we want to play from the get-go [or] from the start.”

FEU finished the game with a 1-1-0 win-draw-loss record and will try to rise up in the standings against De La Salle University on February 26 at the same venue.

-Andrei M. Barrantes

(Photo by Alyssa Andrea Quiogue/FEU Advocate)