Khent Brian Valenzuela’s cool finish proved to be the difference-maker as Far Eastern University withstood a sending-off to earn a 2-1 win over De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 85 Men’s Football Tournament, Sunday at the UP Diliman Field.
Valenzuela, who came on in the 28th minute in place of Sherwin Basindanan, scored the winning goal in the 60th minute. He shot from close range amidst the Green Booters’ failure in clearing their lines.
The result was more remarkable for FEU since it remained the more dangerous team despite losing Mel Anthony Baylon to a red card in the 51st minute. Baylon picked up his second booking for hitting La Salle’s Mohammad Almohjili in the face.
“I’m just happy that the boys were able to be resilient and score even if they were a man down,” said FEU head coach Vince Santos.
The two schools managed to put the ball at the back of the net in the first half. Geri Martini Rey drew first blood for the Tamaraws in just the 6th minute of play. Mikio Umilin, though, leveled the game for the Green Booters in the 27th minute.
Despite scoring the equalizer, the Green Booters failed to grow into the game. The Tamaraws, though, did not let their heads down. They ultimately managed to pull off a win with the odds stacked against them.
Santos added, “We spoke in the locker room before the match saying how important today will be in the rest of the season (and that) if we want to make a statement, we should do it in this game.”
Both schools will return to action this Sunday at the same venue. FEU (7 points) will face University of the Philippines at 2:00 PM. On the other hand, La Salle (0 points) will go up against Adamson University at 4:00 PM.
DLSU XI: Brosoto (GK), Umilin, Anoh, Cruel, Almohjili, Penalosa, Go, Eduave, Lozano, Bengay, Marfiga (C).
FEU XI: Diansuy (GK), Basindanan, Absalon, Pabualan, Rey, Estores, Bacon, Frigillano (C), Braga, Amita, Baylon.
