By Aine Peralta
Midfielder Theo Libarnes’ strike proved futile to propel the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Booters past the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Booters, as they conceded a late equalizer to settle 1-1 in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89 men’s football tournament earlier today, November 5, at the University of the Philippines Diliman Football Pitch in Quezon City.
Just three minutes into regulation, green-and-gold center-back Francis Sambaan took a heavy hit in a collision with UST’s JM Pepito.
Despite the early collision and sustained set-piece pressure from the Golden Booters, FEU goalkeeper Jetrick Fabrigas anchored the defense, denying a dangerous 18th-minute corner kick from the España-based midfielder Joshua Balliner to keep the game scoreless.
Ten minutes later, Diliman-turned-Morayta standout Libarnes slotted past yellow-and-black keeper Mark Daig from a tight angle to hand the Tamaraws the lead, 1-0.
The strike marked Libarnes’ fifth goal of the season, though his momentum was checked following a collision with UST defender Vincenzo Solidum a minute later.
FEU kept pressing before halftime as Absalon nearly doubled the lead in the 33rd minute, only for goalie Daig to save his header off a green-and-gold winger Khent Valenzuela cross.
Multiple collisions followed in quick succession as the physical toll mounted heading into the break.
The intensity carried over into the second half when green-and-gold RJ Pescadera suffered a dangerous fall off a challenge from Golden booter Novie Paraiso in the 55th minute.
However, a late lapse shattered the Tamaraws’ clean sheet in the 87th minute when España-based defender John Paul Selarde converted off a corner kick pass to level the match at 1-1.
Set-piece specialist Edgar Aban tried to reclaim the lead in stoppage time with two late free kicks, sending his 93rd-minute attempt wide before his next shot a minute later skimmed the wall and struck the top net, leaving FEU with a share of the points at the final whistle.
Reflecting on the defensive breakdown after the match, green-and-gold head coach Vincent Santos pointed to the team’s recurring set-piece lapses.
“It's been a concern for us this whole season. All of the points we dropped so far have been because of conceding set pieces. We tried to organize as much as possible, but I think I have to review the tape again,” he shared in a post-game interview.
Despite the setback, the lead tactician emphasized his squad’s eagerness to turn the page quickly.
“We know what we have to do. I think from the reaction of the team, we want to get back on the pitch for the next match again,” Santos added.
Now holding a 2-2-3 win-draw-loss record, the Tamaraw Booters look to bounce back as they clash with Ateneo de Manila University on Sunday, November 8, at the same venue.
(Photo courtesy of the UAAP Media Team)