Round 1 of the eliminations is now in the record books for the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Football Tournament, with the University of the Philippines and Far Eastern University claiming the top two spots.
Selwyn Mamon Solidifies FEU as the #2 Team
FEU’s Selwyn Mamon carried the Tamaraws to secure the #2 spot in the team standings in their last game of Round 1 against the De La Salle University last Sunday, October 19 at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
The Tamaraws immediately imposed their control on the match, dictating possession and pace from the opening whistle. It didn’t take long before their efforts were rewarded as Selwyn Mamon struck first in the 28th minute, heading in a well-placed corner kick from Kean Niu to give FEU the early advantage.
Riding on their momentum, Mamon quickly added another five minutes later. The 21-year-old from Iloilo once again found space inside the box, connecting with an accurate cross from RJ Buenafe to double the lead and push the Tamaraws firmly ahead.
De La Salle attempted to respond before halftime, and Lucas Aguilar managed to pull one back in the 43rd minute, trimming the deficit to 2-1 heading into the break.
However, FEU’s organized defending and clinical counterattacks in the second half ensured that the Green Booters could not find an equalizer.
Photo Credits: FEU Advocate via FB
In the 64th minute, substitute Theo Jico Libarnes put the result beyond doubt, slotting home a perfectly timed through ball from Ace Amita to restore a two-goal cushion. Despite La Salle’s late efforts, substitute goalkeeper Quentin Sanchez, making his debut, denied John Gaverza’s strike in the 70th minute to preserve the victory.
FINAL SCORE: DLSU 1 – 3 FEU
“I think we controlled the game,” said FEU head coach Jake Morallo.
“I think we dominated all of the minutes in the way we attack and how we defend sa team. Selwyn and Theo‘s goals were unexpected. All it took was the right timing. Hopefully, our two goal scorers will be consistent in the second round.”
With the win, FEU concluded Round 1 in second place with 11 points and a +5 goal difference, while De La Salle dropped to fourth with 8 points and a neutral goal record.
It’s “The Rodrigo Mariñas Show” versus U.E.
For the 2nd match last Sunday, Rodrigo Mariñas of University of Santo Tomas was unstoppable as he single handedly defeated University of the East.
The 21-year-old striker wasted no time making an impact, breaking the deadlock in just the eighth minute. Spotting space from long range, Mariñas unleashed a stunning strike that sailed past UE goalkeeper Nicko Cloma, giving UST an early 1-0 lead.
The UST continued to press forward in the second half, looking to extend their advantage. Their persistence paid off in the 68th minute when Mariñas capitalized on a defensive lapse, slotting the ball calmly past Cloma for his second goal of the match.
The best opportunity for the Red Warriors came in the 61st minute when returning skipper Keith Hermoso, fresh off a one-game suspension, rose for a header that nearly found the back of the net.
However, UST’s goalkeeper Mark Daig produced a vital save to maintain his clean sheet and secure all three points for the Golden Booters.
FINAL SCORE: U.E. 0 – 2 UST
Despite the defeat, the Red Warriors found promise in 19-year-old Cloma, who filled in for injured goalkeeper Chrisjohn Tambilawan. The rookie shot-stopper produced several key saves to keep UE within striking range throughout the match.
“It’s a well-deserved brace for him,” said UST assistant coach Carlos Francisco.
“Di naman siya starter nung pumasok kami this season, and eventually naging starter siya. We told him to be patient na darating din yung goals para sa kanya, so ayun, he scored two goals that helped UST get the win.”
With the victory, UST wrapped up the first round with eight points, tied with the Ateneo Blue Eagles but behind on goal difference (+2 for Ateneo, +1 for UST). De La Salle followed in fifth place, while UE remained at the bottom of the standings with zero points and a -8 goal difference.
What to Expect in Round 2 of Eliminations?
Considering FEU are the defending champions, many fans believe they can sweep the Round 2 and have a cakewalk in the Finals.
As the tournament heads into the next Round, all eyes will be on University of the Philippines, which topped the standings after Round 1 with 16 points, five clear of FEU.
For the lower-ranked teams such as UE, the next phase offers a chance for redemption and development, as they continue to search for their first win of the season.
With every team now more familiar with their opponents’ strategies, the second round promises tighter matches, intensified rivalries, and a thrilling race toward the Final Four.
