Mon Diansuy has carved a unique place in Far Eastern University’s illustrious UAAP football tradition.
The proud native of Cotabato City delivered in the clutch for the Tamaraws, saving two spot-kicks in the penalty shootout against the Ateneo Blue Eagles during the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament final last Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
His endgame heroics, which earned him the Man of the Match award, capped off a stellar campaign where he registered six clean sheets. At the final whistle, Diansuy wasn’t just celebrating a hard-fought gold medal but also the Best Goalkeeper and Most Valuable Player awards for Season 87.
“Sobrang hirap pero alam namin na mag-cha-champion kami,” said Diansuy. “Pero yun nga, pinahirapan muna kami bago makuha yung pinakamasarap na panalo ngayon.
“Sa mga fans ng FEU, naibalik na namin. Isang taon din na pinaghirapan namin kasi nung ngayong taon lang din natalo kami ng UP, pero ngayon naibalik na hindi na namin papakawalan ulit.”
Diansuy’s performance in the penalty shootout showcased extraordinary mental toughness. Even after seeing Blue Eagles goalkeeper Artuz Cezar deny his teammate and Season 87 Rookie of the Year Edgar Aban Jr.’s spot-kick, he remained focused and resolute.
With the shootout tied at 4-4, Diansuy rebounded from failing to stop Javier Bengson’s penalty by saving consecutive attempts from Ateneo’s Andy Roxas and Jetro Flores, sealing the championship for FEU.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Puso,” he said. “Kasi alam kong nauna kami naka-miss pero okay lang kasi alam ko rin ma-sa-save ko rin lahat yun eh. Pero luckily, naisave naman.”
For FEU coach Roman Oliver, winning the championship through a penalty shootout highlighted the Tamaraws’ resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity. He also heaped praise on Diansuy, whose heroics played a pivotal role in the victory.
“What a season (for Diansuy),” said Oliver. “I mean, I don’t have words. I don’t know what to say. I don’t know how many clean sheets he has since I lost count.
“He conceded only three goals this season; he saved the key penalties. He’s our top goalkeeper, the best goalkeeper of the season. What more can I say?”
With the Season 87 crown secured, Diansuy expressed his commitment to helping the Tamaraws defend their title in Season 88. It has been nine years since FEU last accomplished a successful title defense, winning back-to-back crowns in Seasons 76–77. The hunger for victory is stronger than ever, and the Tamaraws are determined to keep this winning tradition alive.
“Siyempre mas mahihigitan pa namin ang training kasi next season mas magiging mahirap pa kasi ito nanaman tayo ulit magdedefend naman ng trophy,” he said. “Yun kasi ang pinakamahirap kaysa sa makuha ulit ng trophy. Kaya yun pag-iigihan pa namin lalo.
“Iba talaga yung tinatawag natin na ‘FEU way’ kasi halos every year may nag-cha-champion na FEU team kaya masasabi natin na FEU talaga ang pinamalakas na team.”
