Far Eastern University shot their eleventh straight goal in two games and torched De La Salle University, 3-0, to grab the top spot of the UAAP men’s football tournament Sunday evening at the University of the Philippines Football Stadium.

After a slow start in the first 40 minutes, La Salle had three late attacks on goal in the first half, two of which were blocked by full-back Mel Baylon while the first shot on goal by Christian Peñalosa was inadvertently blocked by Vin De Jesus, who remained lying down in front of the six yard box after a bump.

Gaining confidence, FEU stepped up on their own attacks as a streaking Geri Rey caught a foul inside La Salle’s penalty area, leading to a converted spot kick by Gio Pabualan in the first half stoppage time.

The floodgates opened for the Tamaraws in the second half, dominating possession and scoring two quick goals in the 71st and 75th minute—a volley from center box by Karl Absalon off a loose ball and a running attack Sherwin Basindanan from the right wing off a one-two play with Rey.

“They [La Salle] played slow [in the first half] and we played their game,” said FEU head coach Vince Santos. “[But] we made adjustments in the second half.”

With their season sweep against the Green Archers, FEU has grabbed 18 tournament points (five wins, three draws, and two losses) for the number one spot, with two games left in their schedule.

“I think the boys deserve to be there. Yes, we had a difficult spell. I think after the realizations and conversions in the UE match, I’m looking forward to continuing with this FEU way of playing,” Santos commented.

On the other hand, La Salle, playing without starting goalkeeper Enrico Mangaoang due to a Southeast Asian Games call-up, drops to third place with 17 points (five wins, two draws, and three losses) with an inferior -1 goal difference with second placer Ateneo de Manila.

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