DEFENDING champion Far Eastern University-Diliman dealt erstwhile-undefeated University of Santo Tomas its first loss with a 3-0 drubbing, in the final preview of the UAAP Season 86 Boys’ Football Tournament on Friday at the UP Football Stadium.
The Baby Tamaraws made amends for their 0-2 loss to the same Junior Golden Boosters side in the opening round.
The winner-take-all match is set for Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in the same Diliman venue.
“Malaking bagay ito after nung two losses namin nung first round, especially yung isa do’n is against UST,” said FEU-D head coach Jake Morallo, who took over long-time mentor Vince Santos.
Buoyed by results from the earlier match, the reigning 11-peat champion was aggressive from the get-go and, in the fifth minute, deservedly got its go-ahead goal from a clinical finish from Theo Libarnes.
Defender Jacob Torres then doubled the FEU-D lead 13 minutes after, turning in a deflected shot into the goal and past UST goalkeeper Quintin Lance Sanchez.
“Gusto rin namin talagang makuha ‘tong panalo na ‘to kaya we started strong and I’m happy. Hopefully, ganito rin sa Final,” Morallo, a former FEU Tamaraw, added.
With the result just needing its final whistle, Bryan Villanueva provided the finishing touches in the victory for the Baby Tamaraws from the penalty spot.
The path to yet another Final appearance came clear for FEU-D after Ateneo derailed De La Salle Zobel, 1-0, in the day’s other match.
Ethan Jacob Roxas capitalized on a yet-to-organize defense of the Junior Green Booters in the very first minute of the match, sending the Blue Eagles to its lone win of the season.
DLSZ finished in third place with seven points, while Ateneo closed its season at last place with four points.
