FEU Baby Tams rule UAAP for third time

FAR EASTERN University collected its second football title of the UAAP season by ruling the juniors tournament at the expense of Ateneo, 2-1, yesterday at Ateneo’s Moro Lorenzo field.

Audie Menzi struck what turned out to be the game-winner in the 74th minute as the Baby Tamaraws completed a comeback from a goal down to nail their third straight title.

The victory comes a day after the FEU women’s side bested La Salle, 2-0, to complete a sweep of the finals series.

Ateneo also took the men’s title Sunday with a sweep of University of the Philippines, ending a seven-year drought, and the Eaglets seemed poised to make it a double when Julian Vincent Roxas scored from the penalty spot in the 63rd minute.

But the response was immediate from FEU as Dave Doloso fired home three minutes later, setting the stage for Menzi’s heroics.

A beautifully struck free kick from Menzi, a defender, put the Baby Tamaraws in front for good. He was later named Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

“We were strong defensively and we were more relaxed,” said FEU’s Korean coach Kim Chul-Su, who was given a victory ride by his players after the match.

Harold Alcoresa was named the Best Striker after scoring a season-best six goals while his teammate Dave Parac took the Best Goalkeeper plum, while Ateneo’s Jarvey Gayoso was named Rookie of the Year.