By Marcus Isaac D.G. Bandong

Going into the Final Four, Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Booters trampled the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 4-0, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s football tournament earlier today, January 29, at the University of the Philippines Diliman Football Pitch in Quezon City.

In the early going, FEU was quick to set up their offense, but UST answered with grit to fend off their scoring efforts.

Fortunately, the green-and-gold booters were able to convert their offensive aggression into a goal with an impressive pass from Andre Yu to Karl Absalon at the 14-minute mark, 1-0.

After an early goal from the Tamaraws, the Growling Tigers turned up their offense with uncontested looks inside. Thankfully, goalie Mon Diansuy was able to block all of their attempts.

With physicality increasing on the left wing of the field, Yu broke through once again to score their second goal off of the Growling Tigers’ fumble in the 37th minute, 2-0.

Off an offensive spurt, Absalon raced back to secure his first brace of the season at the 54-minute mark, 3-0.

With momentum at their feet, Morayta-based squad's Theo Libarnes breezed past multiple UST defenders in the 68th minute to seal their dominant showing, 4-0.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, green-and-gold squad head coach Jake Morallo was elated about how they ended the regular season.

"Masaya [kasi] na-dominate namin 'yung laro, we are better sa attacking and defending, and pagdating sa transition, nagta-try kami mag-settle down sa defensive side namin, and maganda 'yung pinakita ng team, nakuha naman 'yung play, (Happy because we dominated the game, we were better at attacking and defending. When it came to transition, we settled our defense, and the team played very well)," Morallo said.

After an equally impressive second half, Morallo commended the team's game plan despite the Espa starting lineup being injected back in the match.

"I think this last elimination game, very well prepared naman kami, and very happy maganda, 'yung performance ng boys this first and second half. Although, medyo naging challenging na sa second half, since pinasok na nila 'yung [players] sa starting list nila (This last elimination game, I think we are well prepared, very happy because the boys played well in the first and second half. Although the second half became challenging, because they inserted back their starting lineup)," the lead tactician shared.

The team concluded their elims run with a 8-2-2 win-draw-loss record.

As of writing, the green-and-gold booters will await their Final Four opponent, with the match to be held at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila City. 

(Photo by Shane Claudine Rodulfo/FEU Advocate)