By: Nicole Parallag
Second-seed Far Eastern University closed out the elimination round on a high note with a 4-0 rout of third-ranked University of Santo Tomas in a preview of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Football Final Four clash, Thursday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Karl Absalon opened the scoring in the 14th minute, capitalizing on a perfectly timed through pass from Andre Yu to break past the UST defense and give FEU an early lead.
The 22-year-old striker from Masbate then completed his brace in the 57th minute, taking advantage of another defensive lapse by the Golden Booters.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“I think this last elimination game, well prepared naman kami,” said FEU head coach Jake Morallo, whose Tamaraws finished the eliminations with 26 points, securing second place. UST ended the eliminations in third place with 18 points.
With the twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four, FEU will face UST once more at the historic Rizal Memorial Stadium on February 8.
FEU got redemption after a 1–1 draw against UST in the first round on October 5 — a match where the Tamaraws managed to level the score despite being reduced to nine men.
Andre Yu doubled FEU’s lead in the 37th minute after capitalizing on a costly error from UST goalkeeper Ben Sabuga, who failed to secure the ball during an attempted save.
Theo Libarnes then capped the Tamaraws’ attacking display with his sixth goal of the season in the 68th minute.
UST nearly pulled one back before halftime, with Chris Valderama’s attempt going just inches wide of the net.
The España-based squad struggled to find rhythm while adjusting its lineup, with usual starters — including goalkeeper Mark Daig, Archie Belluga, and John Paul Selarde — on the sidelines.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“We’re very happy sa performance ng boys. Andun pa rin yung alam namin win or lose, pasok pa rin kami, pero we wanted to show na nagawa yung plans today,” he added.
“Di basta-basta UST kahit magtatagpo ulit kami, pagsisikapan pa rin namin kasi ang main objective pa rin namin is ma-defend yung championship.”
FEU now stands on the brink of a fourth consecutive finals appearance as the defending champions aim to retain their crown.
Meanwhile, UST hopes to overcome the odds and keep its campaign alive, chasing a chance to reach the big stage for the first time since Season 80.
