After its frustrating opening day draw, Far Eastern University finally gained headway in the UAAP Season 82 Men’s Football Tournament.
With John Rhenz Saldivar producing two goals, the Tamaraws prevailed 5-0 against University of the East, Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
Saldivar tapped the ball into the net after receiving Dominique Canonigo’s pass at the 49th minute. He got his second goal of the match in the 55th minute after beating the Red Warriors’ offside trap, finishing past UE goalkeeper Frank Rieza.
“Actually, Saldivar can score more, but the good thing is that he is not greedy and still focuses on our team’s system. Still, I hope he can score more (goals),” said FEU coach Park Bo Bae.
Early in the first half, FEU’s foreign student-athlete Kim Kinsu rebounded Keith Absalon’s initial effort to give his side first blood in the 35th minute. Meanwhile, a corner kick from Gio Pabualan was deflected into the net in the 38th minute.
Substitute Ryan Decena then capped off the rout in the 87th minute with a cool finish.
The result elevates FEU’s standing in the elimination round to four points. On the other hand, Fitch Arboleda’s men remain on three points after their first defeat of the campaign.
“Actually, our first game against La Salle was very frustrating. We fixed our problems and our players followed well,” said Park. “The key is how fast we wake up and memorize our system.”
The two schools resume their campaigns on Thursday, March 12 at the same venue. UE first plays University of Santo Tomas at 1:30 PM. FEU goes up against Ateneo de Manila University afterwards at 6:30 PM.
