Fado's goal tows FEU to UAAP football crown

Frea Fado, the smallest player in the Far Eastern University roster, became the biggest performer in the Lady Tamaraws’ 1-0 victory over the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses Sunday in the UAAP women’s football championship match played at the Ateneo Erenchun field. The Lady Tamaraws’ lone goal of the match was enough for them to bag the crown. The 20-year-old Fado nailed the goal in the 16th minute when she broke free from the Tigresses' defense after receiving a pass from left winger Sharmaigne Saluria. Fado’s shot breezed past UST goalkeeper Zipporah Luna, sending the FEU gallery into a frenzy. "Alam kong kaya ko nang maka-score kasi hindi na mahahabol ng defender 'yung pasa," said Fado, a Koronadal City native. The five-foot Fado, who played with a torn meniscus in her right knee, captured the Most Valuable Player award. FEU played minus veteran Jayneth Mercado, who was ejected in Game 2. "Kahit kulang kami, marami namang mga substitutes. Hindi namin kailangang mag-rely sa isang player lang," said assistant coach Marneli Dimzon, who won the MVP in 2001 while playing as a striker/midfielder for FEU. "Motivation namin na last game na ito na kailangang all-out na lahat at wala ng ititira sa mga laro nila," added Dimzon. FEU, handled by head coach Korean Kim Chul Su, won Game 1 via penalty shootout, 2-0, but UST tied the series with a 1-0 victory in Game 2. Fado's teammate, Loreta Laderom won the Best Midfielder award while Mara Kristia Sabanal, also from FEU, took the Best Defender award. UST's Marianne Narciso, who scored four goals this season, was named Best Striker while Luna won the Best Goalkeeper plum. Another Tigress in Pearl Anjanette Aguilar copped the Rookie of the Year award. Ateneo took the Fair Play award. - Reuben Terrado, RCJ, KY, GMA News