Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Booter Edgar Aban’s brace spearheaded a 3-0 victory against the Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons, marking his first game in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 men's football tourney earlier today, September 15, at the University of the Philippines Diliman Football Pitch in Quezon City.

The homegrown rookie took charge of the first half after converting a free kick and header goal against the Falcons in the 21st and 39th minute, respectively.

In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, the Tamaraw shared his sentiments after simultaneously marking his first points as a rookie and the team’s first win.

“Amazing kasi nakapag-adjust kaagad ako, and sana sa next game ganu'n din magawa ko. Nagpapasalamat ako sa coaches, and especially sa Panginoon… Every game, gagawin ko ang best ko (It felt amazing as I quickly got to adjust, and hopefully, for the next game it stays that way. I thank the coaches, and especially the Lord… I will do my best every game),” he mentioned.

The match witnessed a controlled pacing as both teams opted for a defensive approach coming from both sides of the pitch.

Despite Adamson’s feistiness, Tam goalie Jet Fabrigas deflected a strike at the 12-minute mark, denying the Falcons an early goal.

The green-and-gold squad swiftly capitalized on this opportunity as they maintained a series of coordinated passes, scrambling the San Marcelino-based footballers.

This eventually led to Aban’s double goal midway through the half, 2-0.

With their established momentum from the first half, the Morayta-based squad continued to take control of the field.

It was not long until Khent Valenzuela saw an opening in the 70th minute, striking their third point of the game which ultimately caught Adamson off guard.

The Falcons’ chances of scoring only became slimmer as the Tamaraws remained consistent with their tight defense until the final whistle.

Capturing their first win of the tournament, senior team captain Mel Baylon commended his fellow teammate’s performance.

“As a senior [and] captain, I am proud [of] my rookies… kasi ginagawa rin nila 'yung lahat even though maraming gawain and 'yung academics (because they give it their all despite the workload and academics). I am proud because every time we train, they give their 100-percent,” he said.

The FEU Booters will now try to build on their 1-0-0 win-draw-loss record as they will face University of the East on October 3 at the same venue.

- Joshua Kyle Beltran
(Photo by Kayla Babista/FEU Advocate)