By Aine Peralta and Dwyane Harry L. Cabrera

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Booters booked a Final berth after outlasting the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Booters, 3-2, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s football semifinal earlier tonight, February 13, at the Rizal Memorial Football Complex in Manila.

The Morayta-based squad sizzled early right after the opening whistle with Selwyn Mamon scoring in the fifth minute with an assist from Karl Absalon, 1-0.

Nine minutes later, Absalon secured their second goal, sliding through the España-based squad’s defense, 2-0.

Despite holding a two-goal cushion, FEU’s defense couldn’t hold up as Golden Booters captain Kyler Escobar found the back of the net in the 34th minute, cutting the lead to 2-1.

Looking to widen their lead, Mamon struck two consecutive attacks in the final minutes of the first half, but UST goalkeeper Mark Daig was able to fend off the goals.

In the second half, FEU controlled the pace, dictating possession to limit the gold-and-white squad’s scoring chances. 

The Tamaraws’ defense remained organized, while Absalon and Mamon continued to create openings to keep the Tigers on the back foot.

In a dramatic fashion, Tamaraw Booter Mc Jay Neniel delivered a late goal in the 89th minute to give FEU the lead. 

By the 97th minute, UST’s Escobar scored to narrow the gap, but the green-and-gold held on to secure a 3-2 victory.

In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, Morayta-based head coach Jake Morallo shared how the team focused on pressuring UST’s low-block defense, knowing the Tigers struggled to penetrate the tactic.

“Alam namin na si UST, they are not really well capable sa low-block defending side, nahihirapan silang mag-penetrate [doon] (We know that UST is not really capable when it comes to the low-block defending side. They are struggling to penetrate there),” he said.

Morallo also emphasized that the team’s success comes from a combination of physical preparation, mental focus, and a winning mentality.

“Everything, physical mind, winning mentality, [and] of course, the tactic is there, [‘yung] posisyon ng tao na dapat ilagay namin diyan (and where we should put every player), match to match, opponent to opponent,” he stated.

FEU is looking to defend their title against their Season 86 Final rival University of the Philippines on February 23 at the same venue.

(Photo by James Neil Tamayo/FEU Advocate)