The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons had scored in all of their 12 matches, until they faced rivals Far Eastern University Tamaraws.
Executing their defensive plan to the tee, last year’s runners-up sent their semis-bound opponents to the latter’s first scoreless outing, as the match ended with a goalless draw, Thursday evening at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
In what was expected to be a one-way match due to the opposing standings of the Fighting Maroons and the Tamaraws, things were actually as tight as rivalries are known for.
Taking a page out of National University’s game against UP, the season hosts made it difficult for the latter to get a decent shot at goal. The compact defending of the Tams was steadfast throughout the first half, leaving the otherwise potent Fighting Maroons offense scouring.
The UAAP Season 78 champions were not out, however, but the runs toward the goal went for nought. A huge chance came in added time of the first period, with King Miyagi one-on-one with the FEU keeper Dave Parac, but instead of a goal, the forward got a yellow card as the halftime whistle was blown.
It was more of the same in the second half, even as fresh legs came on for both teams. Nonetheless, when UP settled down, one could sense things were about to change.
Several incursions into the Tamaraws’ penalty area almost broke the deadlock, with UP scoring machines JB Borlongan and Miyagi getting their touches in the final third. However, FEU continued to execute their plan well and denied the Maroons the goal.
The yellow-shirts were not stagnant on offense either, as they had several attempts on the counter attack. Only the vaunted UP backline proved equal to these chances likewise.
The tussle thus ended in a truce, a result that flattered the Tamaraws and was a joy for head coach Park Bo Bae.
“I don’t think my team is weak. Problems just came up. We have a lot of chances to win games. Unfortunately, we couldn’t score,” he admitted.
When asked on his side’s defensive stance, Park emphasized that they worked hard in this aspect. “We always train our back four on how to defend. So now, they followed [and executed].”
The Tamaraws (10 points) will look to spoil another leader’s fate, as they face the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles (28) on Sunday, April 15, at 8:00am. For their part, the Fighting Maroons (33) will take on the same team next Thursday, April 19, at 4:00pm. Both matches will be at the same Malate venue.
