Diliman: Defending champion Far Eastern University (FEU) beat Adamson University, 1-0, to keep the No. 2 spot in the UAAP Season 88 men's football tournament at the University of the Philippines Diliman football field on Thursday night. The Tamaraws took a 1-0 lead after Theo Jico Libarnes scored in the 59th minute.
According to Philippines News Agency, goalkeeper Jetrick Fabrigas stopped Cameroonian striker Golike Dany Doko's penalty in the 70th minute as RJ Pescadera was sent off for a handball on a Marlon Dasig attempt. "I'm very happy with Jetrick's save. He read Doko's penalty shot," commented Tamaraws head coach Jake Morallo.
FEU improved to 17 points, six clear of third-running Ateneo de Manila University. UP clobbered the University of the East, 5-0, in the other game to keep the top spot with 19 points.
Adamson had its chances in the first half, with goalkeeper Jed Lauron making a fine save in the 24th minute to deny Czam Acosta's attempt, as well as Selwyn Mamon's follow-up. Mamon tried again in the 50th minute, but Lauron once again stopped him. Doko also had a clear shot in the 44th minute, but was denied by Fabrigas.
"With respect to Adamson, their heart, they really wanted to win. The discipline on their defending side is very hard to penetrate," Morallo said. FEU will face the University of Santo Tomas at 4 p.m. at the same Diliman venue on Nov. 9. Adamson, in sixth place with four points, will meet De La Salle University at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 6.
