By Angel Joyce C. Basa

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Booter Nickos Mamon sparked two goals to end the match in draw against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Booters, 2-2, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 men’s football tourney tonight, April 14, at the UP Diliman Football Pitch in Diliman, Quezon City.

The green-and-gold forward player scored the team’s first goal in the 18th and 86th minute to tie with the España squad.

During the match, Tamaraw Booter Marck Alipoon sustained a high ankle injury, confirmed by the team’s physical therapist Oshin Aguilon.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, Mamon shared his satisfaction after scoring all of FEU’s goals in the match despite the result.

“Sobrang saya [ko] kasi sa ilang games po, ‘di po ako naka-score ng para sa team kaya parang ito na lang ‘yung parang pagkabalik ng laro ko po (I’m very happy because in the past games, I didn't score for the team that is why this is how bring my game back),” he said.

Golden Booters Kyler Escobar and Chris Valderama scored both goals in the first half at the 38th and 40th minute, respectively.

During a post-game interview, FEU Head Coach Alberto Besa voiced that he was happy with the winning mentality of the team. 

“Yes, it was an exciting game. I was talking to Arman right before the kickoff and I was boasting about our winning mentality that these kids, these men will not accept the defeat. They’ll fight and fight and fight, and we saw that [in] today’s game, so I’m happy with that,” he stated.

The Diliman-based booters are currently sitting at the top of the barrel with a 7-1-1 win-draw-loss record and will face the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons on Thursday, April 25, at the same venue.

(Photo by Ralph Mari Castro/FEU Advocate)