By Joshua Kyle Beltran
Despite a last-minute goal, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Booters could not convert their attempts against the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Booters, 1-2, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89 men’s football tourney earlier today, October 11, at the University of the Philippines Diliman Football Pitch in Quezon City.
In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, green-and-gold head coach Vince Santos acknowledged the team’s missed opportunities throughout the match.
“Apart from conceding the goal early, I thought we had control of the match. It’s clear: possession doesn’t win games… We should have done better with the chances that we had,” he said.
FEU struggled to gain possession of the ball early doors, as it was not long until they conceded a goal to Green Booter Uriel Dalapo in the six-yard box just five minutes in.
The Tamaraw Booters continued to push for an equalizer, but most of their shots either went wide or into the hands of DLSU goalie Jason Salvante.
With both teams ramping up their physicality, Theo Libarnes had two free kick opportunities in the 28th and 30th minutes, respectively — but La Salle’s backline and Salvante held firm to deny both shots.
Even with two minutes of stoppage time, RJ Buenafe’s own free kick chance also could not find the back of the net, leaving the Morayta-based squad nil-one going into halftime.
Off the bench, last year’s Rookie of the Year Kian Niu was able to set up two clean looks, but Selwyn Mamon came up short in connecting both passes.
Unfortunately, just a few minutes later, Mamon was pulled out of the field after colliding with Salvante and two other Green Booters.
With all hope seemingly fading, FEU left its backline unattended as La Salle’s Joaquin Collo scored at the 82-minute mark. Karl Absalon then responded with a penalty kick during the sixth minute of added time, but eventually proved no good.
Meanwhile, the lone Tamaraw scorer emphasized that it was simply ‘not their game.’
“Parang ‘di talaga para sa amin ‘yung ano na ‘to [game], eh. Kasi marami kaming chances, hawak namin ‘yung game, sila nakaka-attempt lang sa counter… Wala, ganiyan talaga ‘yung football (It seemed that it was really not our day. We had plenty of chances, we gained possession throughout; they were just able to attempt through counterplays. That’s just how football is),” Absalon said.
Looking to bounce back with a 1-0-1 win-draw-loss record, FEU will face Adamson University on Thursday, October 15, at the same venue.
(Photo by Rian Balagtas/FEU Advocate)