FEU's Jerby Anito in action against UE in the UAAP Season 88 men's football tournament, October 9, 2025 at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City. UAAP Media
MANILA -- Rookie Jerby Anito took charge in the second half to power Far Eastern University to a 2-0 triumph against University of the East in the UAAP Season 88 men's football tournament, Thursday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City.
Anito broke the deadlock in the 48th minute, slotting in his second goal of the season after Czam Acuesta’s initial attempt failed to reach the back of the net.
Seven minutes later, he set up the Tamaraws' second goal with a perfect ball inside the box that Theo Libarnes headed past UE keeper Chrisjohn Tambilawan.
With the win, FEU improved to seven points with a goal difference of +3, tied with Ateneo de Manila University in the league table.
"I think we dominated and controlled the game today,” said FEU head coach Jake Murallo. "From the first half medyo nahirapan kami, pero sa second half nakuha namin 'yung play namin at nakapag-adjust naman kami.
"Ang daming player na wala—our two red cards—and some players like Mon Diansuy nagkasakit, so very proud ako kay Jet Fabrigas sa unang clean sheet niya."
Both teams struggled to break the deadlock in the first half, with neither side managing to convert chances into a goal.
FEU had a promising sequence in the 21st minute, but the attack fizzled out before UE could clear the ball.
The Tamaraws, however, found their rhythm in the second half, converting their relentless pressure into two decisive goals to seal the win.
On the other hand, UE had its share of opportunities through Bernard Magallon and Francis Maturan, but FEU goalkeeper Jet Fabrigas stood tall—most notably stopping Maturan’s rocket attempt in the 63rd minute.
The Red Warriors remained winless, sitting in seventh place with zero points and a -6 goal difference.
FEU will next face Ateneo on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the same venue, while UE will wrap up its first-round campaign against the University of Santo Tomas (5 pts, 0 GD) on Sunday at 6:30 p.m.