FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — A go-ahead goal from graduating Dexter Chio lifted Far Eastern University past La Salle, 2-1, and into the finals of the UAAP season 76 men’s football tournament Thursday.
Chio, the remaining member of the 2010 title squad, slotted in a goal in the 75th minute to give the Tamaraws the lead back and it proved to be enough to carry them to the finals after four years.
But Korean mentor Kim Chul Su wasn’t satisfied with his wards’ performance, especially facing a tough University in the Philippines in the finale.
“We may have won the game but I’m not happy. We’re not playing well. All I’m asking my players is to play a high-level game and to be patient,” said Kim. “I hope that won’t happen against UP.”
Game 1 of the finals is set Thursday next week at 2 p.m. at the FEU-Diliman field, with the league’s leading scorer Jinggoy Valmayor of UP sitting the match out.
After a scoreless first half, the squad’s best scorer Jesus Melliza got things going for FEU with a goal in the 54th minute. But it was a short-lived edge as Carl John Amisola equalized for La Salle in the 60th minute.
FEU then turned to its defense to prevent the Green Booters from scoring anew.
The last time the Tamaraws were in the finals, they defeated the University of Santo Tomas for the crown under then coach Rodolfo Alicante.