By Joshua Kyle Beltran

Scoring two consecutive goals, Tamaraw Booter Selwyn Mamon spearheaded Far Eastern University (FEU)’s offensive strides to win against the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Booters, 3-1, and seal the first round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s football tourney earlier today, October 19, at the University of the Philippines Diliman Football Pitch in Quezon City.

Mamon turned safety off as he converted a header and a transition pass from Rustel Buenafe in the 29th and 33rd minutes, respectively.

In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, the green-and-gold striker described his delight to contribute through a brace in their last game of round one.

“Grateful naman ako na nakapag-contribute ako sa team ngayon, lalo na’t last game namin… Confident lang ako na makaka-score ako ngayon. Sa mindset ko na ‘yun, ‘yun siguro ‘yung nakatulak sa’kin na maka-goal ng brace (I am grateful that I was able to contribute to the team, especially that it’s our last game… I am just confident that I was going to score. I think it’s with that mindset of mine that pushed me to score a brace),” he shared.

In the early minutes of the match, FEU struggled to carry the ball onto the other side of the pitch due to La Salle’s pressing defense.

Fortunately, the green-and-gold squad’s coordinated passing and successful slide tackles left DLSU struggling to find the back of the net.

Hungry for a goal, Morayta-based rookie Czam Acuesta attempted to strike at the 26th minute, but was denied by DLSU goalie Edcel Lauron. This was then followed by Mamon’s brace three minutes later.

Complacent with their two-nil standing, it was not long until Green Archer Alonso Aguilar chipped a goal over FEU goalie Quintin Sanchez in the 43rd minute.

To keep their composure, the green-and-gold squad shifted to a more defensive approach entering the second half while still maintaining their momentum.

This tactic proved effective as Sanchez saved a goal attempt from La Salle’s Aguilar at the 50-minute mark.

Reactivating their offensive strides, the Tamaraws scored their third goal in the 64th minute, courtesy of Theo Libarnes’ crafty bicycle kick.

From this point onwards, the green-and-white squad started crumbling under pressure, evident in their many errors.

Comfortable with their three goals, FEU tightened their last-minute defenses to prevent DLSU from scoring any further, sealing the game at 3-1.

Despite the high scoring, Tamaraw Booters interim head coach Jake Morallo emphasized the importance of staying composed.

“Siguro kailangan lang [i-improve] ‘yung concentration. I think kanina nakaka-build up naman kami (I think the team needs to improve their concentration. I believe we were able to build momentum)… The last part, it’s about concentration and timing. Kailangan, ‘yun, i-polish din namin (We also need to polish that),” he said.

Concluding the final game of the round on a high note, FEU now holds a 3-2-1 win-draw-loss card while they await the second round of the tourney, which is yet to be announced as of writing.

(Photo by Shane Claudine Rodulfo/FEU Advocate)