Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Booters displayed resilience despite defeat against the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Blue Eagles, 1-2, ending their undefeated start in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 men's football tournament earlier today, October 6, at the University of the Philippines Diliman Football Pitch in Quezon City.

The game started rough for both teams as they quickly went on a back-and-forth affair trying to score their first goal.

The grittiness from the green-and-gold booters showed as they continued to attack the blue-and-white’s defenses.

Their perseverance on offense finally resulted in their first goal at the 42-minute mark, after forward Khent Brian Valenzuela scored off a header assist from fellow forward Selwyn Mamon, 1-0.

In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, Valenzuela commended the team’s effort en route to their only goal in the match.

“Lahat po kami ng mga teammate ko kasi pinagtrabahuhan po namin ‘yung first goal namin pero nakapos po pero babawi po kami (I’m going to give credit to all my teammates since we worked hard on getting the first goal, but we ultimately lacked, but we will bounce back),” the Tam Booter shared.

Going into the second half, both teams continued alternating possessions towards the next goal.

The Morayta-based booters failed to defend the Katipunan squad’s offensive scheme as they finally cracked their first goal in the 53rd minute executed by left winger Dov Cariño, 1-1.

Despite the free lanes opening up for the Tamaraws, they failed to execute their offensive game plan against the Blue Eagles’ feisty defense.

The physicality from both groups continued to show as bodies hit the floor by the 55-minute mark.

In the heart of the second half, the Tamaraws had a chance to regain the lead with a penalty kick but ultimately failed to execute.

FEU goalkeeper Mon Diansuy continued to showcase his defensive prowess as he blocked the raging attacks from Ateneo’s strikers.

Despite the Tamaraws’ exemplary defense, the Blue Eagles were able to pierce through scoring off a go-ahead pass at the 80-minute mark delivered by midfielder Galen Fernandez, 1-2.

Ahead of their next games, Coach Roman emphasized the importance of learning from mistakes.

“We’re gonna have to continue working and learn from the mistakes that we made today and, also, we have to watch the team play in advance,” the coach shared.

The Morayta-based squad looks to get back on track in their match against the De La Salle University on Thursday, October 10, at the same venue.

- Marcus Isaac D.G Bandong
(Photo by Karch Rafael/FEU Advocate)