FEU claims men's football trophy after eight years

By Jianzen Deananeas

May 23, 2023

(Photo sourced from Rappler.com)

By defeating the reigning champion Ateneo de Manila University 4-1 in the Season 85 Final on Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila, Far Eastern University won its 10th UAAP Men's Football title.

The last time the Tamaraws won the UAAP Men's Football Championship was in Season 77 during 2014–2015.

"It feels great, especially since we've missed football for the last few years," said Vince Santos, who celebrated his first title as head coach of the Morayta school. "It's such a rewarding feeling to rebuild the program almost from scratch and achieve victories this year for both the juniors and the men's team."

FEU took the lead right away after Karl Absalon's superb finish 12 minutes into the game. With a strike from close range in the 30th minute, Gerald Estores increased their lead.

Gio Pabualan increased FEU's advantage in the 86th minute, and Geri Martini Rey put the game away with a goal in the 94th minute to end the Tamaraws' eight-year title drought.

FEU's victory was more thrilling because they previously lost to Ateneo 1-0 on March 16 and April 13.

Ateneo's greatest effort to mount a comeback was a magnificent volley by Galen Fernandez in the 66th minute that gave the Blue Eagles hope.

A number of individual accolades were also claimed by the Tamaraws.

Pabualan, who finished the season as the league's leading scorer with eight goals, was given the Best Midfielder and Best Striker titles.

The award for Rookie of the Year went to Absalon, who scored five goals.

Viejay Frigillano, a defender and captain, was selected as the season's most valuable player.