FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Jess Melliza struck two goals as Far Eastern University trimmed defending champion Ateneo, 3-0, in the UAAP season 76 men’s football tournament at the FEU-Diliman field on Wednesday.
It was the Tamaraw Booters’ second victory, giving them six points in the standings so far, after the opening day shutout of National University.
University of the East, last year’s last placer, is also off to an impressive start after clawing back to defeat La Salle, 2-1, on two goals from Fitch Arboleda.
Arboleda, who also led UE’s win over University of the Philippines last Saturday, continued his impressive play in his final year in the league.
Melliza, one of the league’s most prolific scorers who had 22 goals last year, also got into attacked mode for FEU, scoring in the fifth minute then doubling the lead on the 71st.
He then assisted Nicolas Ferrer, who slotted in his third goal of the season, in the 79th minute to give the Tamaraws the commanding advantage.
“We just always do our best,” said the Tamaraws’ Korean coach Kim Chul Su.
It was a disappointing start to the title-retention bid of Ateneo, which lost key players Nick O’ Donnell, last season’s MVP, Best Goalkeeper Val Calvo, and Jico Noel due to academics.
University of Santo Tomas, meanwhile, salvaged a 1-1 draw against NU to improve to four points.
Skipper Shinmar Felongco equalized for the Growling Tigers in the 84th minute on after Bulldogs rookie Paolo Salenga struck in the 62nd minute. Both teams went scoreless in the first half.