UAAP 81 Football: UP takes 3rd place with a victory over FEU

JB Borlongan and King Miyagi both scored to help UP to come back and beat FIRE, 2-1, in the second round of the UAAP 81 season men's football tournament.

Reigning University of the Philippines scored a decisive victory over Far Eastern University on Sunday afternoon at the FEU Diliman football field to reach third place in the men's 81 season the UAAP.

From the beginning, it seemed that the Maroons Fighters were going to disaster after giving an extremely quick goal to the Tamaraws, thanks to Martini Rey who had found the bottom of the nets in the sixth minute only.

As they have already managed to do countless times this season, the Fighting Maroons recovered well in the second half match as JB Borlongan regained the equalizer in the 51st minute.

Later in the second half, striker King Miyagi was once again a great success for the defending champions as he surrendered in the 69th minute.

FIRE tried to defend itself but finally could not produce equalization, as UP stood firm for the win.

"Once again, we dug deep," said the UP head coach, Anto Gonzales, at the conclusion of the victory. "The character of these boys is no doubt and they are fighting against adversity."

"But the other teams do not allow such a comeback, so we really have to manage how we start the games, and I think it's a matter of good spirit," added Gonzales, referring to another result of the Fight the chestnuts.

Gonzales also congratulated Miyagi, who finally scored the decisive goal of the match.

"Kintaro worked very hard during the training sessions, he stimulated the spirit of the team and he deserved his goal, he was injured and he fought very hard, so I give King Miyagi a lot of credit, "Gonzales shared.

With this victory, UP improves to 7 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses during the season, 23 points. They surpass De La Salle University, which moves to fourth place with 22 points. They have a chance to add to these points when they finish their campaign of the playoff round against the EU on Thursday, May 2nd.

FIRE remains in the second seed with 24 points out of 7 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses. The Tamaraws can finish the playoff round with the win over DLSU in their last game on Thursday, May 2nd.