By Dwyane Harry L. Cabrera

Handing them a season sweep, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Booters edged out the Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons, 1-0, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s football tournament earlier tonight, October 30, at the University of the Philippines Diliman Football Pitch in Quezon City.

The Tamaraw Booters wasted no time as center midfielder Karl Absalon attempted a goal within the first three minutes, but was body blocked by Falcons’ goalkeeper Christian Lauron.

Nearing the 16-minute mark, midfielder Rj Pescadera unfortunately obtained a yellow card when he tried to disrupt the blue-and-white squad’s offensive approach.

Determined to earn a point, the Morayta-based squad went all out with relentless attacks midway through the match.

However, FEU found themselves on the defensive end as goalkeeper Fabrigas denied back-to-back attempts from AdU wingers Luis Becera and Golike Doko in the 42nd and 44th minutes, keeping the scoreboard blank by the end of the first half.

In the early minutes of the second half, forward Selwyn Mamon and Absalon attempted consecutive attacks, but were quickly deflected by Falcon goalie Lauron.

With an offensive play by the Tamaraws, Theo Libarnes unleashed a powerful strike at the 59-minute mark to get a 1-0 advantage over Adamson. 

However, after their goal, Fabrigas overextended on defense, which resulted in Pescadera committing a handball violation and receiving a red card.

Pescadera had to leave the field as a result, and Adamson had a penalty kick attempt in the 70th minute, which Fabrigas fortunately redeemed.

Going into the final minutes of the game, the green-and-gold squad managed to tighten their defense until the final whistle.

In an interview with the FEU Advocate, Tamaraw Booters interim head coach Jake Morallo expressed his frustration despite taking the victory over the San Marcelino-based team.

“To be honest, I am frustrated sa performance today. But there were moments na muntik pa silang maka-score, so that is why I was frustrated. Hindi maganda ‘yung pinapakita namin today sa game (There were moments when they almost scored, and that is why I’m frustrated. We did not show enough in today’s game),” he mentioned.

The lead tactician also explained their switch of tactics during the second half.

“‘Yung adjustment na ginawa namin is kaming FEU, ‘yung way namin is keeping the ball trying to penetrate, which is ayon ‘yung ginawa namin nung first half pero hindi siya nag-effect (The adjustment we made was to focus on keeping possession and trying to penetrate their defense, which we managed to do in the first half, but it didn’t really take effect). So we tried putting more direct balls behind and it worked which is also the weakness of Adamson,” he shared. 

Riding on a 5-2-1 win-draw-loss record, FEU will aim to sustain their strong form when they go up against the University of Santo Tomas on November 9 at the same venue.
(Photoby James Neil Tamayo/FEU Advocate)