DEFENDING champion Far Eastern University-Diliman secured a 2-0 win over Ateneo de Manila University on Wednesday (29 Jan 2025) night to remain undefeated in the UAAP Season 87 boys’ football tournament at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

Striker Joerby Anito broke the deadlock in the 48th minute, followed by a goal from substitute Jerriemy Biton just two minutes later. The Baby Tamaraws clinched their third consecutive victory, maintaining their position at the top of the standings with nine points.

FEU-D head coach Jake Morallo praised his team’s tactical approach: “Our game plan was to get behind their backline. We knew our attacking players were faster and more eager. We had opportunities in the first half, but adjustments in the second led to early goals and the win.”

Elsewhere, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) triumphed 5-1 over Claret School of Quezon City, with midfielder Yuan Maniscan scoring twice, along with goals from Joshua Moleje and substitutes Joshua Balliner and Argos Phrixus Alingalan. UST now sits in second place with a goal difference of +7.

Assistant coach David Basa explained the shift in momentum: “Once Yuan scored, the team relaxed, controlled the ball better, and focused on attacking.”

Meanwhile, De La Salle Zobel (DLSZ) edged PAREF Southridge 1-0, with Geoffrey Marqueses scoring the only goal. La Salle head coach Ayi Nii Aryee emphasized the importance of capitalizing on scoring opportunities: “It was a 50/50 game, but we made sure we scored and didn’t let them.”

Looking ahead, FEU-D will face DLSZ on Saturday at 2 p.m., UST will meet Ateneo at 4:30 p.m., and Claret School will play Southridge at 7 p.m.