Far Eastern University closed the first round of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament on a high note, dispatching De La Salle University with a commanding 3-1 victory to claim solo second in the standings.
At the heart of the Tamaraws’ fiery finish was third-year striker Selwyn Mamon, who delivered a clutch brace that sealed FEU’s third win of the season.
The Sports Science student rose to the occasion, scoring back-to-back headers in the 28th and 33rd minutes that gave FEU full control of the match and left the Green Booters chasing shadows.
“Siguro grateful naman ako na nakapag-contribute ako sa team ngayon,” said Mamon. “Lalo na last game pa namin, binigay namin yung best namin and di ko naman yun magagawa lahat kung wala yung mga teammates ko.
“Parang confident lang ako na makaka-score ako ngayon. Sa mindset ko na yun nakapagtulak sa’kin makakuha ng brace. Happy naman ako nakapag-contribute kase yun ang gawain namin as strikers.”
It was a fitting end to a turbulent first round for the defending champions.
FEU finished with 11 points off three wins, two draws, and one defeat, an impressive record considering the changes they faced off the pitch.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
After steering the Tamaraws to last year’s championship, former head coach Roman Oliver left during the off-season.
His successor, Sergei Duque, also exited abruptly just before the tournament kicked off — leaving assistant coach Jake Morallo to take the reins.
Through all the uncertainty, the Tamaraws remained grounded and determined. Their consistency and adaptability have been their strongest weapons in defending their title.
“This first round every game palagi kami may natutunan and di lahat ng game namin ay good game,” Mamon reflected. “So every game, mas lalo namin ini-improve at hinihigitan yung performance namin last game.
“So about sa changes namin under kay Coach Jake, nakapag-coach siya samin almost sa lahat ng players namin sa Men’s (team). Di na po sobrang laki ng adjustment namin sa season po.”
With the second round looming, FEU’s mission is clear — to maintain their rhythm, sustain their confidence, and lock up a Final Four berth.
“Una sa lahat, mag-focus kami sa second round going into sana sa semis,” Mamon shared.
“I hope na makakuha kami ng top two spots pagkatapos ng second round. Depende rin sa game if sino yung matatapat namin na kalaban.”
