Acob Graciano took charge as the Far Eastern University-Diliman Baby Tamaraws pulled off a 2-1 triumph over Nazareth School of National University in the finals the 82nd University Athletic Association of the Philippine Junior Football Tournament, Saturday night at Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
Garciano struck early, and in the the 2nd and 30th minutes, and this allowedthe Baby Tams to keep the crown for a 10th straight season.
“I didn’t expect that we’d score early but it’s lucky we scored early. That’s why we had a good game there,” explained FEU coach Park Bo Bae.
The Bullpups kept up their attack in the remaining time, with NU forward Eldrin Madrid putting pressure of the Baby Tams backline.
Madrid finally scored the 82nd minute after his free kick went past Baby Tamaraws goalkeeper Lance Bencio.
Later, John Rey Daohog had a golden chance to level the contest, but his attempt went straight into the hands of Bencio.
“NU in the second half, they really, really pushed from behind earlier but our substitute players had mistakes there. I think if we allowed one more goal, we may have had a hard time but Lance really focused and blocked the ball and that’s why he saved our team,” added Park.
Meanwhile, two members of the Baby Tams earned themselves three individual awards for their stellar great performance during the season.
Pocholo Bugas snared the MVP honors and Garciano bagged the Best Striker and Best Midfielder respectively.
Bugas, is a member of the Philippine Men’s Under-23 National Football Team that competed in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, and he alternated between defense and midfield throughout the season.
Alimar Ambong, a stalwart in the backline for the Bullpups, was given the Best Defender Award for his valiant displays for NS-NU this season.
A trio from De La Salle-Zobel completed the individual awardees with Enrico Mangaoang being hailed as Best Goalkeeper while Rafael Aldeguer was crowned as Rookie of the Year.