Far Eastern University fought back from a goal behind to salvage a 1-1 stalemate against University of the East in the UAAP Season 85 Men’s Football Tournament, Thursday at the UP Diliman Field.
Geri Martini Rey scored the leveler in the 54th minute as the Tamaraws dug deep in the second half to earn a point.
The Barotac Nuevo native’s strike offset what was a poor start to the game by FEU and coach Vince Santos was left to lament what might have been.
“Hoped we could have (had) a few more minutes,” said Santos. “I felt that we would have been able to win it. But it was our fault to start slow in the first half. We have to do better next time.”
Beforehand, Edmar Adonis broke the deadlock for the Red Warriors in the 31st minute of the match. It was the former Baby Tamaraw’s second goal of the campaign.
“In fairness, sobrang ganda ng overall game ng both teams,” said UE coach Fitch Arboleda. “Sayang hindi namin nakuha yung three points although both teams had their chances pero yun nga, sayang lang.
“Yun talaga yung game. To be honest, overall, maganda siya. At least both of us got one point,” he continued.
Both teams will return to action on Sunday at the same venue. FEU (4 points) will face De La Salle University at 4:00 PM while UE (4 points) will go up against Adamson University at 6:00 PM.
FEU XI: Fabrigas, Basindanan, Absalon, Pabualan, Rey, Estores, Bacon, Frigiliano, Braga, Amita, Baylon
UE XI: Bencio, Magallon, Marin, Brobbey, Madrid, Inguito, Gatilao, Ang, Abarca, Adonis, Modin
