JERRIEMY Biton delivered a crucial goal as defending champion Far Eastern University-Diliman reclaimed its place atop the UAAP Season 87 High School Boys’ Football table.
The Baby Tamaraws edged the PAREF Southridge School Admirals, 1-0, on Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
The standout recruit from Himamaylan Elementary School provided a brilliant finish in the 67th minute, propelling FEU-D to its second straight win.
The Baby Tamaraws now sit at the top of the standings with six points and a +7 goal difference.
“Biton, para sa akin, he’s always doing good, doing well naman,” said Baby Tamaraws head coach Jake Morallo, whose team is chasing a remarkable 13th consecutive title. “Kailangan lang siguro mag-create ng more chances with timing sa penetration. Sa first half medyo off talaga siya, but I think nag-work out yung game plan namin sa second half.”
Southridge defended resolutely throughout the match, nearly scoring early in the second half when winger Joziah Kendrick Rance’s attempt was denied by Baby Tamaraws goalkeeper Gianne Carlos Abara.
Even after Biton broke the deadlock, Rance had another chance to equalize, but his tame shot was easily saved.
Substitute Dionesio Diaz had an opportunity to double FEU-D’s lead late in the match but missed the target.
Still, the Baby Tamaraws held firm to secure the hard-fought victory.
“Para sa akin, maganda yung game to be honest,” added Morallo. “In fairness sa Southridge, they were very disciplined with their back five. Mahirap maka-score, but in the second half, mas nakita namin yung winning mentality namin.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
In the nightcap, De La Salle Zobel and University of Santo Tomas battled to a goalless draw, both maintaining unbeaten records.
The Junior Golden Booters are in second place with four points and a +3 goal difference, while the Junior Archers sit third with a +1 GD.
UST forward Lucky Aque had an early chance to score but was denied by La Salle goalkeeper Jacob Salavante.
In the second half, La Salle midfielder Giomell Gigataras saw his shot blocked, while a penalty claim by the Junior Green Booters was waived off.
Aque nearly found a late winner in stoppage time, but his attempt went over the bar under pressure from a defender.
“Maganda yung laro ng La Salle,” said UST assistant coach David Basa. “Medyo kailangan pa namin i-improve yung team at maibigay yung intensity na kailangan for that game.”
“UST is a strong contender,” La Salle coach Nii Ayi remarked. “They had their chances, and we had ours. We’ll accept the draw.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Earlier, Ateneo secured its first win of the season with a commanding 3-1 victory over Claret School of Quezon City.
Tied at 1-1 at halftime, the Blue Eagles surged ahead with John Molina’s 60th-minute strike and Shawn Perea’s clinical finish in stoppage time.
“I’m so happy,” said Blue Eagles coach JP Merida. “Why? Because after, I forgot when was the last time I was the head coach of the Ateneo juniors, so after how many years, this is my first win again.
“I am very happy with the result even if we didn’t play really good in the first half. Of course, coming from a loss, this is a good bounce back win looking toward the game against FEU-D.”
Earlier, Jose Andres Hizon opened the scoring for Ateneo in the 28th minute, while Filmart Tacardon equalized for Claret in the 42nd minute, marking the guest school’s first-ever UAAP goal.
Claret and Southridge remain winless, sitting at fifth and sixth in the standings with goal differences of -4 and -8, respectively.
