Far Eastern University finally returned to its winning ways in the UAAP Season 85 Men’s Football Tournament, courtesy of an 8-0 rout of the University of the East last Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Field.
Gio Pabualan played a key role in the match, scoring twice and providing three assists. His contributions helped the Tamaraws end their run of three straight matches without a victory.
“Siguro from the loss against Ateneo, kailangan namin mag-score ngayon. We want to be in the top four,” said the Azkals Development Team star.
“We also want to be on top of the tournament. Kailangan namin mag-score at manalo. ‘Yun lang ang goal namin for today.”
During the first half, the Bukidnon native delivered three fantastic balls into the Red Warriors’ box, which were headed home by RJ Pescadera, Mel Anthony Baylon, and Viejay Frigillano in the 14th, 33rd, and 45+2 minutes, respectively.
After the halftime break, Pabualan scored goals in the 52nd and 59th minutes while being involved in the buildup for the Tamaraws’ other goals.
“We’ve been practicing set pieces, and siguro yung target lang and determination namin for each and every ball na matatanggap namin,” said the former UAAP juniors division standout.
“We wouldn’t stop being there. We wanted more. We were hungry for more goals because a win isn’t enough so we wanted more.”
As things stand, the Tamaraws lie in third place in the standings with 15 points behind four wins, three draws, and two defeats. After a run of dismal results, FEU is back in the mix for a Final Four ticket.
With only three elimination round assignments left, Pabualan and his teammates know that they need to raise their game to return to the postseason.
“Kinukuha lang namin yung momentum. Once we’re slowly getting there, then tuloy-tuloy na,” he said.
Up next for FEU will be a match against De La Salle University this Sunday. The last time both squads faced each other in the first round, the Tamaraws prevailed 2-1 despite being a man down.
It will be another tough test, but Pabualan is looking forward to it already.
“For the upcoming game, we will still stay focused and then yung mental and physical. Dapat prepared pa rin kasi we have a week to go to prepare against La Salle next game.”
