FEU, DLSU dispute UAAP football crown

Matches today (Rizal Memorial Football Stadium)

2 p.m. – FEU vs UP (women finals)

4 p.m. – DLSU vs FEU (men finals)

MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion Far Eastern University and De La Salle go for broke in the one-game final in the UAAP Season 77 men’s football tournament at 4 p.m. today.

Tamaraws’ ace Arnel Amita sees one major advantage for the Green Booters to end a 17-year title drought when they face off at the historic Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.        “They have a large crowd and I think they have the home advantage,”  said Amita, as the venue for the championship round is just nearby La Salle where the green-clad supporters are expected to come in droves.

FEU is actually gunning for a championship double as the women’s team takes on University of the Philippines in the Finals at 2 p.m.

The Lady Tamaraws are vying for a three-peat and a league-best 10th tiara overall, while the Lady Maroons are seeking to annex their first-ever crown.

FEU upended UP, 1-0, to make it to the title match for the second straight season, thanks to Amita’s penalty in extra time.

The Green Booters, meanwhile, suprised everyone by making it to the championship round for the first time since 2006.

Gelo Diamante’s late goal steered La Salle to a 1-0 win over Ateneo in the other semifinals to stay unbeaten in the season. Definitely, the Tamaraws needed extra effort to clinch their 10th title overall. 

“Yes, we returned to the finals all right but we can’t relax because La Salle is tough in offense and defense. But we’re not giving up. We will attack and attack,” said Amita, a Compostela Valley native.

Eric Giganto, the league leading goalscorer, reigning MVP Paolo Bugas, Jess Melliza, Nicolas Ferrer, Audie Menzi and Joshua Mulero will be the vital cogs for FEU.       

The excitement is there, but coach Hans Smit cautioned his Green Booters to get focused at the task of winning their fifth championship and frustrate the fancied Tamaraws.

“We need the guys to be ready, psychologically and mentally. There’s no other way. Look, the last time (we won the title) was in 1998. More than any of physical characteristics, it’s more of mental now. The only thing can beat you is you,” said Smit.       

La Salle keeper Paeng de Guzman will be the last line to foil FEU’s offensive game, while also playing their key roles are Nate Alquiros, Chuck Uy, Sabin Bustamante, Gerald Layumas and Timothy Brago, who will return from a one-game suspension.