FEU clinches men’s and women’s UAAP football crowns

MANILA, Philippines – Far Eastern University is the football king and queen of University Athletic Association of the Philippines football competition Season 76.

FEU’s men’s team nipped University of the Philippines (UP), 1-0, for the crown while FEU’s women’s squad blanked a hard-fighting University of Santo Tomas (UST) team, 2-1, for the women’s title on Sunday at the FEU-Diliman pitch in Quezon City.  

Striker Jesus Melliza lived up to his lofty status as the league’s top striker when he nailed a header over UP’s goalkeeper Ace Villanueva in the 72^nd minute that provided the Tamaraws a one-point cushion, which they preserved the rest of the way.

“I never imagined myself to hit that goal and it feels so great to become champion,” said Melliza, who gifted FEU a ninth men’s football championship. “I really like to thank also my teammates for playing their best today.”

The last time FEU won a men’s football title was in 2010.

“It’s a 1000 percent effort from the team, I’m proud of them. Their defense was really fantastic and they played very,” said FEU Korean head coach Kim Chul Su. “Melliza was there at the right place and time. He never let us down.”

In the women’s finals, Sharmine Sioatong handed FEU its first goal with 19^th minute left while Alesa Dolino scored another in the 57^th minute to provide them a 2-0 lead before UST’s Marice Magdolot narrowed the gap with an 87^th minute goal.

But time wasn’t on the side of UST as FEU completed a rare football double title.

FEU could make it a grand slam this season if its juniors’ squad defeats Ateneo on Saturday.

Paolo Bugas of FEU was named the men’s Most Vauable Player, while teammate Arnel Amita was declared Best Midfielder during the awarding ceremony.

Villanueva copped the Best Goalkeeper award and fellow Green Booter Patchy Santos the Rookie of the Year.

Lady Tamaraw Mae Sollano was named the women’s MVP and her teammate Barbie Sobredo the Best Scorer and Best Midfielder.

UST keeper Rara Luna received the women’s Best Goalkeeper plum and teammate Jena Abuan clinched the Best Defender honors. – Rappler.com