Far Eastern University-Diliman reclaimed the top spot in the UAAP Season 88 High School Boys’ Football Tournament in dramatic fashion, salvaging a 1–1 draw against De La Salle Zobel at the death on Saturday.
Attacking midfielder Dionesio Diaz delivered the last-minute heroics at the UP Diliman Football Stadium, nodding home a clutch header in the 90+7th minute to secure a crucial point.
Diaz’s late equalizer canceled out the 78th-minute opener from substitute striker Jayden Gayoso, which had nearly given the Junior Green Booters the win.
Before the final drama, the Baby Tamaraws had dominated most of the chances in the second half. But efforts from Vazili Recinto, Jeffrey Fernandez, and Sambher Abrenica all failed to find the back of the net.
“Of course, every game is important, so we always try to win. But then now, nag-draw,” said FEU-D coach Jake Morallo, whose side had prevailed 2–0 in their first meeting on February 14. “Surprisingly, duon pa sa last minutes of the game — I think it was Diaz who scored. But for now, I think nag-improve yung team nung second half.
“Nung first round namin against sa kanila, we played nang medyo nakahawak nung bola, kaya nag-2-0. But all in all, in the game, ‘di kami medyo nakahawak ng bola,” he added.
“There were times lang na we dominated the game, but on the side of winning mentality, ginusto talaga ng La Salle, as what we expected. So, we need to work on some finishing and some attacking.”
The draw moves FEU-D level with defending champion University of Santo Tomas at 16 points. However, the Baby Tamaraws top the standings courtesy of a superior plus-15 goal difference, compared to the Junior Golden Booters’ plus-11.
Meanwhile, La Salle remains in third with 14 points, followed closely by Ateneo de Manila University (13) and PAREF Southridge (11). At the bottom, Adamson University and Claret School of Quezon City are on the brink of elimination from Final Four contention with only three points each.
Their precarious positions were cemented earlier in the day when Southridge blanked Claret 2–0, while Ateneo cruised to a 4–1 victory over Adamson.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Southridge found its second wind just in time, netting two late goals to overcome Claret and snap a two-game skid to open the matchday.
Captain Carlito Vergara broke the deadlock in the 80th minute, and substitute Jaesung Kim secured the win with a tap-in in the 88th minute.
Relieved to see his side return to winning ways, Southridge’s Ghanaian head coach Sam Bonney praised his squad for grinding out a victory to stay alive in the Final Four race.
The result marked a season sweep for the Admirals over the Red Roosters, following a similar 2–0 win in their first meeting on February 11.
“We didn’t play our best game today,” Bonney admitted. “It has been a very long week for the boys, playing back-to-back. We started practicing on Sunday, right after our loss to Ateneo. Since then, we’ve been playing or traveling every day — from Manila to Makati, Alabang to Pasig — just constantly on the move.”
Despite the fatigue, Bonney noted the importance of the result.
“There are a lot of tired players, but we were pushing for this win so that they could finally get a bit of rest. We are heading in the right direction and managed to secure the victory. We thank God for giving us this win,” Bonney added.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Building on the momentum of their dramatic win over Southridge last week, Ateneo enjoyed a much more straightforward outing at Adamson’s expense. The victory marked a significant improvement over their previous encounter on February 14, when the Blue Eagles were held to a 1–1 draw.
Tiago Remulla opened the floodgates with a header just a minute into the match. Andres Dumlao then compounded the Baby Falcons’ woes with a brace in the 38th and 47th minutes, before Joaquin Tatad iced the rout with a clinical finish in the 71st.
Forward Josh Año managed to pull one back for Adamson in the 40th minute, but it proved to be only a consolation strike as Ateneo maintained control until the final whistle.
“It’s a great three points. I’m happy because it was a second straight win this second round,” said Ateneo assistant Mark Maravilla, who stepped in for the suspended JP Merida. “It’s all about the boys. Coming from what happened in the last game, the boys did not hold back; they kept fighting, and they kept playing under pressure.
“It was a team effort. Swerte kami kasi si Dumlao talaga was very motivated today. Coming into this game, disappointed siya sa performance niya last match, kaya he really wanted to bounce back and prove himself,” Maravilla continued.
