UNIVERSITY of the Philippines (UP) edged Far Eastern University (FEU), 1-0, and foiled the Tamaraws’ bid for a third-straight men’s football crown at the close of the elimination round on Wednesday in Season 78 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) at Ateneo’s Moro Lorenzo Field.
The Fighting Maroons silenced the Tamaraws with an airtight defense all game long and only needed Kyle Magdato’s goal before the halftime break to end the two-year reign of the Morayta-based booters.
“That has always been our philosophy, everything starts with defense. Our goals haven’t really come very often,” UP Coach Anto Gonzales said. “But in terms of controlling the game and securing the backline, at least we were there.”
Magdato’s goal came in the 45th minute, when he rebounded Feb Baya’s cross that was deflected by FEU goalie Ray Joyel.
The Maroons finished the double-round elimination atop the table with 30 points.
FEU, which also lost a crucial game against Ateneo, 0-1, last week, fell short of making the Final Four and wound up fifth with 24 points.
The Tamaraws played the season without star midfielder Arnel Amita, who went down with an ACL injury before the season started. But their rookie sensation, Rico Andes, led the team in goals before he became a marked man in the second round.
Skipper Eric Ben Giganto played his last UAAP game with the Tamaraws, while former Most Valuable Player Paolo Bugas is uncertain to complete his fifth year of eligibility next season.