Soccer: NMI women beat Guam

THE NMI Women's National Team on Tuesday edged their Guam counterparts 1-0 in a friendly match at the Guam Football Association National Training Center in Dededo. Their first match ended in a 0-0 draw, but this time the NMI women played better offensively and defensively. It was a tight game with neither team able to find the back of the net in the first half of the match. But the NMI’s hard work paid off in the second half with Jannah Casarino slipping in the only goal of the game to hand her team the lead, 1-0. The NMI then stood their ground and defended their end of the turf successfully. Guam was unable to equalize and had to settle for defeat. "The ladies played to their best,” NMI women’s head coach Angie Ito said. “Although it was wet and cold that night, they pulled through and continued to work hard. Overall, every one of the players played strong and played for each other and as a team. The victory was for them so they can have confidence in themselves as individuals and in their team. They worked hard and they represented the NMI very well." NMI men lose to Guam, again As for the NMI Men's National Team, they fought well but could not stop Guam from pulling off a late-game comeback to steal the win 3-2. The NMI men started strong and drew first blood thanks to Tanapon "Baby Jack" Unsa. Guam’s Jason Cunliffe replied with a solo shot, but the NMI regained control after Mareko Tekopua delivered the team’s second goal to end the first half with the NMI ahead, 2-1. Guam then shifted to defense and shut down the visitors' offense. While the NMI struggled, Guam’s Cunliffe took advantage of shot opportunities, delivering not just one but two goals as the home team clinched victory, 3-2. It was the Guam men’s third win against their NMI counterparts. The NMI soccer teams are participating in a week-long training camp on Guam that started on Friday, Feb. 18. Published by Marianas Variety - Feb 24, 2022