By Aimerose C. Atienza

Far Eastern University (FEU) Booters defeated the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Booters, 2-0, to kick off the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 men’s football opener yesterday, February 19, at the University of the Philippines Diliman Football Field in Quezon City.

Both teams showed a high level of physicality during the first half with green-and-gold striker Jermi Darapan sitting out for the rest of the match due to a knee injury in the 41-minute mark.

With Darapan’s absence, the Tamaraws were quick to adjust and find good plays on both offensive and defensive ends.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, assistant coach Alberto Besa mentioned how the referees could have made better calls for the entirety of the game.

“Unfortunately, the referee I think could have been called a bit more tighter so we could have avoided more injuries, [he] could have called out [what happened] with Jermi. He [was] injured, we had to put him in the hospital so I hope he’s okay,” Besa said.

FEU’s Karl Absalon chipped the first goal for the Morayta-based squad during the 65th minute after filling in the spot for Darapan.

During the post-game interview with FEU Advocate, Absalon shared that there were still struggles with the aggression he experienced in their match-up against the España-based squad.

“Nabaguhan lang po [ako]. Medyo aggressive lang ngayon pero next game, iibahin pa namin ‘yung laro namin (It was new to me. It's a bit aggressive now but next game, we will change our game),” he stated.

The Tamaraws’ victory was sealed through another go-ahead made by Martini Rey in the 77-minute mark and the high-quality defense of goalie Jetrick Fanbrigas to prevent UST from scoring a goal in the latter minutes of the match.

FEU will try to clinch their second win of the season against the University of the East Red Warriors on February 23 at the same venue.

(Photo by Alyssa Andrea Quiogue/FEU Advocate)