MP United, Kanoa are U14 champs, again

MP United Football Club and Kanoa FC won the championship again in their respective divisions of the TakeCare Youth Soccer League Fall 2024 at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville on Saturday.

Both teams claimed the championship of the TakeCare Youth Soccer League Spring 2024 and it was no different this season.

In the U14 boys division, MP United outplayed Matansa FC, 4-2.

The Typhoons wrought havoc on the pitch from the opening whistle as Kanoa Owens let one fly past Matansa’s goalie just six minutes in. But Matansa’s Arnelio Pingol Jr. leveled the playing field, 1-1, three minutes later.

Then, Theo Joab came barreling down the pitch to put the Typhoons in the lead in the 18th minute. It was a whirlwind of goals from there as MP United’s Landon Springer extended their lead in the 32nd, and Matthew Hwang scored their fourth goal in the 39th.

Matansa couldn’t catch a break as the Typhoons defenses picked up any loose ends and denied entry to their keeper. However, Rhyane Umali found an opening in the 48th to cut the lead in half, 2-4.

Matansa tried to navigate through the pitch and get on board again, but time ran out and handed the championship to MP United.

The MP United team consisted of Ian Ahn, Mateo Angeles, Kaide Benson, Kimason Cabrera, Xavier Camacho, Izeah Deleon Guerrero, Matthew Hwang, Quido Jambor, Theo Joab, Yutaro Kitagawa, Eunchan Ko, Taiga Namai-Scoggins, Kanoa Owens, Landon Pudney, Landon Springer, and Minato Takahashi.

Third place went to Kanoa FC over Latte FC in a shootout, (4)1-1(2).

Latte’s Napu Pangelinan scored the most goals this season with 22 to win the Golden Boot Award.

In the U14 girls division, Kanoa took home the gold in the U14 girls division over Latte FC, 3-1.

Kanoa wrapped up their dominant season of seven wins and just one loss as the girls in orange claimed the title once again.

Star striker Beatrice Gross was the difference maker and scored two goals—in the 17th and 20th, while Aubrey White opened the game up in the first minute.

Throughout the matchup, Kanoa overpowered Latte both defensively and offensively. But Latte did get a goal in for a 1-3 game. However, that was all they could do before the final whistle and Kanoa won the title again.

Kanoa included Trisha Abuan, Faith Arriola, Neveah Arriola, Cali Jade Cabrera, Samantha Escarcha, Beatrice Gross, Ye Lynn Ha, Elikristiana Iglecias, Rhiana Macalinao, Hayven Moteisou, Phynix Nogis, Quiara Sanchez, and Aubrey White.

Gross was the Golden Boot Award winner as she scored the most goals at 15 throughout the season.

Third place went to MP United as they blanked Shirley’s FC, 9-0.

Results of the U17 and U12 finals will be posted in the next issues of Saipan Tribune.

Published by Saipan Tribune - Dec 18, 2024