UAAP: FEU men close first round with crucial win vs. Ateneo

MANILA — Far Eastern University closed the first round of the UAAP Season 89 men’s football tournament with a crucial 2-1 win over Ateneo de Manila University, Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

Rustel Buenafe and Theo Libarnes found the back of the net as the Tamaraws rose to fifth place in the table, staying within distance of the Final 4.

This was FEU’s first win since a 10-0 demolition of the University of the East last October 4.

“It’s a much-needed win. We have to take each of the matches moving forward in the same way — like it’s the last,” said coach Vince Santos.

Buenafe, a fifth-year attacking midfielder, broke the deadlock in the 44th minute with a right-footed strike from outside the box. Libarnes doubled the Tamaraws’ advantage in the 55th minute, cutting inside from the left flank before firing a right-footed shot to give FEU a two-goal cushion.

Ateneo pulled one back five minutes later, when Alfonso Aljama delivered a cross from the wing for Diego Angeles, who headed home in the 60th minute to revive the Blue Eagles’ hopes.

Both Libarnes and Ateneo forward Dov Cariño generated further opportunities down the stretch, but neither could alter the final scoreline.

The result moved FEU to fifth place with seven points, just two behind fourth-placed University of Santo Tomas, which was facing De La Salle University at the time.

Meanwhile, Ateneo remained sixth in the standings with four points, having earned a draw against the University of the Philippines and a victory over UE.