Aban brace kicks off Season 87 men's football

c/o UAAP

EDGAR Aban Jr. enjoyed a dream start to his college football career, leading Far Eastern University to a dominant 3-0 victory over Adamson University in the opening match of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament on Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

Aban, who was named Season 85’s Most Valuable Player at the high school level, opened the scoring for the Tamaraws in the 20th minute with a brilliant free kick.

His impact didn't stop there, as he doubled FEU’s lead in the 39th minute with a header that left the Adamson defense helpless.

“We call him ‘hattrick man’ in training,” shared FEU’s Spanish coach Roman Oliver, who took over from Albert Besa.

“He’s scoring a lot of goals. What can I say? He’s so good. He’s amazing—the way he works, the hunger he has in training, and how hard he pushes himself. I can only say good things about him.”

Come the second half, the Tamaraws continued pounding on the Soaring Falcons’ goal. Theo Jico Libarnes, who was recently called up to join the Philippine Men’s National Football Team, missed an attempt right at the face of goal.

Khent Brian Valenzuela, though, made sure to wrap up the three points for FEU when he scored the Season 86 finalist’s third goal in the 70th minute.

Aban could have secured a hattrick but his last attempt late in the game hit the post.

FEU will look to build on this strong performance when it faces University of the East on October 3 at 4 p.m., once again at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

“It’s important to secure the three points,” said Oliver. “But more importantly, I’m very happy with how we did it. The way we played, especially in the first half, is the kind of football we need to keep working on. It’s not just about winning. I think people will enjoy watching the way we play. This is one of our main objectives.”

Meanwhile, Adamson University will aim to bounce back when it takes on Ateneo de Manila University this Thursday at 4:30 p.m. at the same venue.