Karl Absalon provided the inspiration as Far Eastern University outlasted University of Santo Tomas 2-0 in the UAAP Season 85 Men’s Football Tournament, Sunday, at the UP Diliman Football Field.
Amidst a feisty affair between two proud schools, the Masbate native’s moment of magic was enough to bring the Tamaraws across the finish line.
Subbed in for Jermi Darapan in the 41st minute, Absalon chipped the ball past Golden Booters goalie Jose Abada to score the winning goal in the 65th minute.
Geri Martini Rey then sealed the victory with a clinical finish inside the box in the 77th minute – much to the joy and relief of the Tamaraws and their supporters in the venue.
“I’m sorry I have to say this, but this referee doesn’t belong in the men’s UAAP,” said FEU coach Vince Santos. “He totally lost control of the game. It’s a pity because I think both teams could have played much better football if it were controlled properly.”
Beforehand, the game took a nasty turn in the first half. Darapan had to be stretchered off for Absalon after the former got the brunt of a bad tackle from UST’s Uriel Villacarlos, who received a yellow card for his action.
It was more of the same in the second half. Both sides tried to stretch the allowed level of physicality in the game. UST forward Stephen Marasigan attempted to fish for a penalty but referee Wilfredo Bermejo was unimpressed.
Tamaraws defender Mel Baylon then managed to prevent UST from scoring by clearing the ball off the goalline during a set-piece by the Golden Booters.
Ultimately, it was the Tamaraws’ night to savor as they earned three valuable points in a highly-physical game.
“It’s a long way. A scrappy win but we’ll take it,” added Santos.
FEU (3 points) looks to bounce back/build on this result when it takes on University of the East this Thursday at 6:00 PM. On the other hand, UST returns to action on Sunday against Ateneo de Manila University at 2:00 PM.
UST XI: Abada, Visitacion, Jarandillo, Marasigan, Belluga, Fianza, Alegre, Azares, Villacarlos, Garciano, Nartey
FEU XI: Fabrigas, Basindanan, Pabualan, Rey, Estores, Bacon, Frigillano, Darapan, Braga, Amita, Baylon.
