Far Eastern University subdued struggling Adamson University with a decisive 6-0 victory to kick off the second round of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament on Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City.
With this win, the Tamaraws drew level with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons at 13 points but moved into second place due to a superior goal difference of plus-12, five points behind the league-leading Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, who remain unbeaten.
The six goals came from different scorers, showcasing FEU’s depth as the league’s highest-scoring squad with a total of 19 goals.
Ace Amita and Marc Alvon Celis each netted two goals in the first half, followed by four more in the second half from Eugene Arriola, Nickos Mamon (twice), and Karl Absalon.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“We’re happy to win to start the second leg. UST won, UP won, so before the match we were fourth; everybody was pushing for this win. The boys played with a lot of heart and played smart, so we’re very happy,” said FEU head coach Roman Oliver.
“It is not about one player scoring because you score with the team helping you score. It is all about teamwork. As long as it’s FEU scoring, I don’t care who scores,” the Spaniard continued.
Amita and Celis opened the scoring for FEU, testing Adamson’s goalkeeper Shane Salarda with quick strikes in the 10th and 13th minutes, allowing the Tamaraws to head into halftime with a comfortable 2-0 lead.
The offense continued to press in the second half, with substitutes Arriola and Mamon contributing to the scoring.
Both Tamaraws capitalized on set pieces delivered by rookie Edgar Aban. Arriola scored in the 51st minute after Aban sent a well-placed ball into the box, while Mamon soared high to head in a corner kick in the 66th minute.
Absalon sealed the game with a goal in the 73rd minute, and Mamon added another in stoppage time, rounding out the Tamaraws’ scoring.
FEU will next face the University of the East Red Warriors, who currently sit at 7 points with a goal difference of -8, on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“I love how the team is behaving when we lost the ball. This is exactly what we need. I’m happy with the teamwork, the fight, and the pride. I think this is the way to continue moving forward,” Oliver remarked.
On the other hand, Adamson remained winless after seven matches and struggled to generate any threatening shots against FEU’s defense and goalkeeper Mon Diansuy.
The Soaring Falcons will seek a monumental upset when they take on the undefeated Blue Eagles earlier in the day at 4 p.m.
