Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Booters launched a late-game burst, escaping the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Booters, 5-2, in the University of Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 men’s football tournament earlier today, November 24, at the University of the Philippines Diliman (UP) Football Pitch in Quezon City.

In an effort to manage player fatigue from a packed schedule, FEU head coach Ramon Oliver opted to start second-stringers, with Theo Libarnes being the only regular starter.

“Well, we have 23 players in the squad. We had three games in one week, so we are using all the squads in the best way possible,” he explained in a post-game interview with FEU Advocate.

The Tamaraw Booters left a strong statement early on, with Al Galario scoring the first goal three minutes into the game, followed by Mc Jay Neniel’s goal in the 10th minute to take the lead.

However, DLSU responded in kind, with Gabe Suarez III pulling one back at the 60-minute mark and Vin Dela Cruz equalizing the game just a minute later at 2-2.

The Tamaraws regained control with Mel Baylon putting them ahead again in the 69th minute. 

Marc Celis then extended the lead in the 81st minute, and Libarnes sealed the victory with a goal in the 83rd.

The win was a result of solid teamwork and tactical adjustments, with Baylon contributing significantly to both the defensive and offensive efforts.

“Ayun nga, I’m a sub sa first half, and pumasok ako by the second half. ‘Yung individual instruction talaga sa’kin is to defend the goal and manage the team,” he stated.

Building on the team’s overall performance, midfielder Galario expressed his satisfaction with the team’s collective effort.

“Siyempre masaya. Overall, hindi [lang] naman individual ‘yun. Happy lang ako sa result ng game,” he shared.

Galario also admitted that he was quite shocked by the turn of events in the first half but was proud of how the team responded in the second.

Now at a 7-2-2 win-draw-loss record, the Tamaraws will remain focused on carrying the momentum into their next game next Sunday, December 1, against UP at the same venue.

- Aine Peralta
(Photo by James Neil Tamayo/FEU Advocate)