By Marcus Isaac D.G. Bandong

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Booters resumed the second half with a loss after enduring an aggressive showcase of defense from the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 0-1, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s football tournament earlier tonight, January 15, at the UP Diliman Football Pitch in Quezon City.

Both FEU and UP started off hungry for a goal, with two yellow cards being thrown right off the bat against the Fighting Maroons.

While trying to score the first point, the Tamaraws just could not get through the maroon-and-white squad's impenetrable defense.

On the flip side, the Diliman-based team was able to score off a clash, freeing up Lorenz Tortona to strike in the 19th minute of the game, 0-1.

Despite the green-and-gold booters' aggression on offense, they were unable to score off a Selwyn Mamon attempt at the 28-minute mark.

To end the first half, the Tamaraw Booters created open looks but were unable to convert them into much needed goals.

It was the same going for the Morayta-based squad in the second half, failing to outmatch UP's physicality in the field.

To counter the green-and-gold squad’s offensive outburst, the maroon-and-white team hounded them on defense which pressured them into losing momentum.

After going scoreless, FEU aggressively rallied back off a scramble to make an effort to tie the game in the dying minutes, but ultimately failed to score.

In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, Tamaraw Booters head coach Jake Morallo commended the team's performance despite the missed chances.

"For me, maganda 'yung pinakita ng (we played well as a) team. I think we dominated, we had chances, sa [pag]-break ng mga (to break the) lines. We know how UP play, we have the tactics already... Siguro lang (I just think) we have to improve our finishing," the lead tactician shared.

After a narrow loss, Morallo shared his frustrations with the referees officiating during the match.

“At least we tried, may mga chances; na-frustrate lang din ako sa mga call ng referees. There were moments na puwede siya mag-penalty pero ‘di siya tinawagan (There were chances; I'm just frustrated with the calls made by the referees. There were moments where a penalty should have been called),” he said.

Now with a 5-2-2 win-draw-loss record, the Tamaraws will seek their first win of the year against De La Salle University on Sunday, January 18, at the same venue.

(Photo by Ma. Louela Luna/FEU Advocate)