By Aimerose C. Atienza

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Booters will once again face the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Blue Eagles after six years in a finals match in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season 85 men’s football tournament.

The green-and-gold squad booked a ticket to the finals, their first since UAAP season 79, with a win against the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Booters, 2-0, held earlier today, May 11 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila City.

FEU had their first goal in the 28th minute as striker Gio Pabualan took a free kick after La Salle’s goalie Mig Brosoto made an error on his end of the turf.

The Morayta-based squad struggled to keep the ball on their side with the Green Booters’ better dribbles and defense during the second half.

In the post-game interview, FEU Head Coach Vince Santos mentioned that the team had to adjust in defeating DLSU.

“I think we did enough. At some point in the second half, I think La Salle did their part and also put some pressure. We made some adjustments and we ended strong,” he said.

During the 85-minute mark, FEU’s Sherwin Basindanan sealed the victory for the green-and-gold with a clinical strike.

Coach Santos also remarked on the work exerted by the Tamaraw Booters in the semifinal match-up against La Salle.

“Gio works on those shots every day and it’s not unusual for us to see it. We really expect that from him… Same with Sherwin, he has now understood the role the team needs from him,” he stated.

FEU is yet to find a win against AdMU this season and seeks to end their eight-year title drought on May 18 at the same venue.

(Photo by Karch Rafael/FEU Advocate)