By Fibby Ann Mercado
Withstanding a late second-half surge, Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Booters capped their first round campaign with a win against Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Blue Eagles, 2-1, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89 men’s football tournament earlier today, October 25, at the University of the Philippines Diliman Football Pitch in Quezon City.
Tamaraw Booters started the first half on the attack with Selwyn Mamon testing the goal early in the fifth minute, but his attempt sailed wide off as the match remained goalless.
Mamon and Kent Valenzuela continued to look for an opening in the Blue Eagles’ defense but failed to convert. Karl Absalon also attempted shots in the 28th and 34th minute marks, but neither found the back of the net, 0-0.
As the first half approached its end, Rustel Buenafe broke the deadlock in the 44th minute, firing FEU into the lead with a crucial goal, 1-0.
The green-and-gold squad extended its lead in the 55th minute through Theo Libarnes, who found the back of the net just minutes after coming on as a substitute, 2-0.
Setting up a tense finish, the Blue Eagles threatened to mount a comeback as Diego Angeles found the back of the net in the 69th minute to cut the deficit, 2-1.
However, FEU’s Jetrick Fabrigas stood firm between the posts, denying AdMU’s late attempts and free kick, allowing the Morayta-based squad to secure the 2-1 victory.
In a postgame interview with FEU Advocate, head coach Vince Santos reflected on the challenges the team faced throughout the first round of the season.
“In the first round, we had to deal with a lot of injuries. And coming into this match, we brought in some players and, obviously, they were a little bit out of shape or out of form. So we’re hoping that we can integrate them back and play our usual,” he said.
Santos also emphasized the importance of securing the win against the Blue Eagles, and to maintain a must-win mentality moving forward.
“It was a must-win today. So, I think every game moving forward, we already have a mentality that we treat it as a final match for us. There’s no more allowance for us to be dropping any more points,” he added.
Ending round one with a 2-1-3 win-draw-loss slate, the Tamaraw Booters turn their sights to improving their round two campaign, with the game schedule and venue yet to be announced.
(Photo by Ma. Louela Luna/FEU Advocate)