Far Eastern University and 10-man University of the Philippines played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament on Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
UP drew first blood in the 13th minute when Joses Azur intercepted FEU’s attempt to build from the back before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Quintin Sanchez.
The Tamaraws responded swiftly, turning the match around with two goals in seven minutes.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
McJay Neniel equalized with a header in the 23rd minute before Stephen Soria put FEU ahead with a composed finish six minutes later.
UP restored parity in the second half through Cian Galsim, who scored an ‘Olympic goal’ in the 62nd minute by curling his corner kick from the right flank directly into the net.
True to expectations, the rematch of last season’s final lived up to the billing.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“It was a good match,” said FEU coach Vince Santos. “I just feel that we let ourselves down in the way we conceded those goals — the way we build up and then gave away a corner goal. I just felt we let ourselves down.”
UP was reduced to 10 men in the 77th minute when former Baby Tamaraws midfielder Jumong Amita received his second yellow card.
Substitute Khent Valenzuela nearly snatched all three points for FEU in stoppage time, but UP goalkeeper Fonzy Gonzalez denied his attempt with a sharp save.
UP remained third in the standings with eight points, while FEU slipped to fifth with four points, extending the Tamaraws’ winless run since their 10-0 season-opening rout of the UE Red Warriors.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“Both teams deserved the point today,” said UP coach Popoy Clarino. “We worked our butts off; unfortunately, we were down to 10 men for almost the last 20 minutes of the game, but credit to the players who held firm, who kept it together. I saw a team out there.”
Both teams will return to action this Thursday at the same venue.
UP takes on De La Salle University at 4:30 p.m., followed by FEU’s clash with the University of Santo Tomas at 7 p.m.
