At the end of the day, home is where the heart is for Edgar Aban Jr.
The Far Eastern University-Diliman standout enjoyed a dream start in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament, scoring a brace in FEU’s 3-0 victory over Adamson University at the UP Diliman Football Stadium last Sunday.
Aban, who was named Most Valuable Player in the Season 85 high school boys’ tournament, opened the scoring with a deflected free kick in the 20th minute. He then added a header in the 39th minute, effectively securing the win for the Tamaraws before halftime.
“Amazing kasi naka-adjust kaagad ako,” said Aban, who is called ‘Hattrick Man’ by new FEU head coach Roman Oliver.
“Sana next game meron ulit ako magawa. Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga coaches and then especially sa Panginoon.”
For Aban, a 19-year-old native of Masbate, being promoted to FEU’s collegiate squad from the FEU-Diliman program—known for its 12 straight high school crowns in the UAAP—is a dream come true.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
As a homegrown talent, he bleeds green and gold, and his current achievements are a tribute to his older brother, Darryl, who also played for FEU.
“Masaya ako kasi nakapasok ako dito sa FEU,” said Aban.
“Dati pangarap ko lang makapasok dito dahil inspired ako sa kuya ko. Masaya ako dahil yung seniors ko, tinutulungan nila ako na mag-improve step-by-step.”
With the first game behind them, Aban and the Tamaraws are already focused on the road ahead.
Reclaiming the championship title they lost to the UP Fighting Maroons last season will be a challenging task, but the team is determined to do everything possible to achieve it.
FEU plans to take it one game at a time, and as a Sports Science student, Aban is committed to giving his best effort to help his beloved alma mater maintain consistent success in the tournament.
“Every game, gawin ko lang yung best ko para makatulong sa team,” he said.
