Ten-man Far Eastern University brushed off a tough Adamson University side, 1-0, to solidify its hold on second place Thursday night in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Football Tournament at the UP Football Stadium.
Goalkeeper Jet Fabrigas came up clutch, denying Cameroonian striker Golike Dany Doko’s penalty that could have been the equalizer in the 70th minute. The spot kick was awarded after RJ Pescadera was sent off for a handball on a Marlon Dasig attempt.
Capitalizing on a poor Falcons clearance, Theo Libarnes struck the match’s lone goal in the 59th minute to put the Tamaraws ahead.
“Very happy sa save ni Jetrick. Nabasa yung penalty shot ni Doko,” said head coach Jake Morallo.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The defending champions improved to 17 points, six ahead of third-running Ateneo.
University of the Philippines — which routed University of the East, 5-0, in the earlier match — remained on top of the table with 19 points.
Adamson had its chances in the first half, with goalkeeper Jed Lauron making a fine save in the 24th minute to deny Czam Acosta’s attempt, as well as Selwyn Mamon’s follow-up.
Mamon had another look in the 50th minute, but Lauron once again foiled FEU’s effort to break the deadlock. Doko also had a clear shot in the 44th minute, but Fabrigas stood firm to keep the match level.
“With respect sa Adamson, yung heart nila, they really wanted to win. The discipline sa defending side nila is very hard to penetrate,” said Morallo.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
FEU continues its Final Four push against University of Santo Tomas at 4:00 PM on November 9, still at the UP Diliman pitch.
“We really had a bad game ngayon, maybe pinakapanget na game sa nakita kase the boys were relaxed. We have to step up in the next game against UST. We’ll try to change our momentum now. Kailangan pa nilang ma-push,” added Morallo.
Adamson, which stayed in sixth place with four points, will next face De La Salle University at 4:30 PM on November 6.
