Gio Pabualan finally had his breakout game in the UAAP Season 85 Men’s Football Tournament to lead Far Eastern University to a 6-1 victory over Adamson University, Thursday at the UP Diliman Football Field.
The former Baby Tamaraw executed fine finishes in the 17th and 87th minutes of the match to take charge of FEU’s drubbing at Adamson’s expense.
“I think it was a great boost (for Pabualan) because someone of his caliber needs to be on the scoreboard,” said assistant coach Albert Besa after FEU moved up to 11 points in the table. “Even though he had a few assists, someone like him needs to have a chance to be on the scoreboard.
Beforehand, Khent Brian Valenzuela scored his third goal of the season in the 9th minute to set the tone in the game.
Come the second half, Geri Martini Rey performed a cool finish in the 51st minute to score his fourth goal of the campaign already.
FEU midfielder Karl Absalon scored his second goal of the season in the 57th minute while captain Viejay Frigillano put the icing on the Tamaraws’ cake with a header in the 90+4 minute.
“They were playing very calm and composed at the start of the first half,” said Besa. “They got a little tired at the end of the second half but then we were able to bring it back in the second half.”
The Soaring Falcons, though, managed to score a consolation goal in the 56th minute thanks to Carl Franz Mahinay’s strike.
Adamson (0 points) will go up against Ateneo de Manila University this Sunday at 4:00 PM. On the other hand, FEU (11 points) will return to action next Thursday against Ateneo as well at 4:00 PM.
AdU XI: Nalog (GK), Buenaobra, Casing, Doctora, Empleo, Francisco, Gardon, Jayaon, Mahinay, Banagodos, Sabaulan.
FEU XI: Diansuy (GK), Arriola, Absalon, Pabualan, Rey, Estores, Valenzuela, Frigillano, Braga, Baylon, Alipoon.
