By Aine Peralta

After scoring a brace from their last game, Selwyn Mamon led the charge once again for the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Booters, powering his squad past the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, 4-1, in the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s football tournament, earlier tonight, October 26, at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman Football Pitch in Quezon City.

Mamon stamped the scoreboard early in the 13th minute, followed by quick back-to-back goals at the 71 and 73-minute marks. With the win, Mamon increased his season tally to eight goals.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, the striker emphasized how winning the championship was his priority over individual goals.

“Ang goal po namin this season is… Una, mag-top muna sa standing, and also kung papalarin kami, makuha namin ‘yung championship (Our goal this season is, first, to be on top of the standings, and also, if we’re fortunate, to win the championship),” he said.

After the Morayta-based striker’s early opener assisted by McJay Neniel, the Warriors quickly responded as Edmar Adonis converted a penalty in the 40th minute to tie the match score. 

Theo Libarnes then stepped up in the 62nd minute, slotting home a composed finish to reclaim the lead for the green-and-gold squad.

It was not until nine minutes later in which Mamon took full command of the match to complete his hat trick, eventually leaving UE scoreless in the second half.

Meanwhile, Libarnes—who also scored in back-to-back games—reflected on his role as a striker and his growing chemistry with the team.

“Sa’kin lang is same kami ng ano, posisyon na striker, trabaho talaga namin mag-score para sa team… ‘Yun, instinct na 'yon kasi nga as a striker, ano kahit pangit ‘yung pasa, as long as tina-try na kung any kinds of position na sumipa (For me, since we play the same position, as strikers, and our job is really to score for the team… It was pure instinct, as a striker, even if the pass is not perfect, as long as we try to take the shot from any position),” he expressed.

With a 4-2-1 win-draw-loss card under their belt, FEU will look to maintain their momentum as they face University of Santo Tomas on November 9 at the same venue.

(Photo by James Neil Tamayo/FEU Advocate)