By Angel Joyce C. Basa

Far Eastern University (FEU) Booters ended their eight-year drought with their 10th title dedicated to their late teammate Kieth Absalon in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 men’s football tourney on May 18 at Rizal Memorial Stadium football field.

The men's football team claimed their last win of the tournament after dominating against the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 4-1.

In a post game interview with Rookie of the Year (ROY) awardee Karl Absalon, he offered the championship title and the individual award for his departed teammate and brother. 

“‘Yung nagtulak sa akin talaga is si kuya [Kieth] kasi dedicate ko talaga ‘yung champion [title] na ito para kay kuya. Itong rookie of the year [award], para rin ‘to kay kuya. Kung hindi dahil sa pandemic, nakuha rin ‘to ni kuya (What motivated me is kuya [Kieth] because I dedicate this championship title for him. The rookie of the year award, it is also for him. If it weren't for the pandemic, he would've also gotten this award),” he said.

Season Most Valuable Player Viejay Frigillano also mentioned their former teammate as the team's motivation in ending their title drought.

“Every game is an important game sa amin kasi dinedicate namin ‘yung laro namin para kay Kieth kasi noong nabubuhay pa si Keith, gusto niyang mag-champion, so kami ‘yung nagtuloy [para sa kaniya] (Every game is an important game for us because we dedicate our games for Keith because when he was still with us, he wanted to be a champion, so we did it [for him]),” he said.

ROY Absalon led the team with their first goal in the 12th minute followed by a double advantage made by Gerald Estores in the 30-minute mark, while Geri Martini Rey secured the win with a line goal in 90+4th minute of the match.

Tamaraw Gio Pabualan who also scored a goal in the 86th minute received the Best Midfielder and Best Striker of the league awards in the post game awarding ceremony.

FEU beat the De La Salle University Green Booters and AdMU Blue Eagles in the playoffs to end the season on the gold podium.

(Photo by Kayla Babista/FEU Advocate)