FEU bags UAAP Season 85 men’s football crown

The FEU Booters are the UAAP Season 85 men’s football championships. –UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Far Eastern University secured its 10th UAAP men’s football championship after dominating Ateneo, 4-1, in the Season 85 final on Thursday at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The victory ended an eight-year title drought for the Tamaws in men’s football.

“It feels great, especially since we’ve missed football for the last few years,” said Vince Santos, who celebrated his first title as FEU’s coach. “It’s such a rewarding feeling to rebuild the program almost from scratch and achieve victories this year for both the juniors and the men’s team.”

Karl Absalon opened the scoring for FEU in the 12th minute before Gerald Estores doubled their advantage in the 30th minute with a goal from close range.

Galen Fernandez put the Blue Eagles on the scoreboard with a volley in the 66th minute, but goals from Gio Pabualan and Geri Martini Rey put the game beyond reach.

Pabualan was named the UAAP Season 85 best midfielder and best strike after finishing with a league-best eight goals this season.  Absalon, who scored five goals, was named Rookie of the Year. Defender while FEU captain Viejay Frigillano was named the Most Valuable Player.

Ateneo’s Artuz Cezar and Ildefonso Escobin, meanwhile, were honored with the Best Goalkeeper and Best Defender awards, respectively.

University of the East earned the Fair Play Award for having no direct red cards and the fewest suspensions in the league.

FEU also has a chance to cop the women’s football award as the Lady Tamaraws face La Salle on Sunday for the crown.