Nov 21, 20221 min read

SSHS, SIS join 5-team battle for first place in boys high school soccer

SAIPAN Southern High School’s varsity team and Saipan International School are among the five teams tied for first place in the boys high school division of the NMIFA-PSS Interscholastic Soccer League. SSHS earned their first win by edging Mount Carmel School, 3-2, at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville. The first half was filled with exciting back-and-forth action but neither team was able to score. In the second half, both teams stepped up their game with SSHS drawing first blood thanks to Patubo who found the back of the net at the 30th minute mark. SSHS continued to push hard but their eagerness came at a cost as MCS managed to turn defense into offense with Gabby San Nicolas delivering a goal to tie the score, 1-1. But SSHS quickly recovered with Patubo unleashing his second goal to regain control, 2-1. MCS did not give up the fight and was rewarded at the 41st minute mark when Markus Toves scored the equalizer. MCS, however, failed to tighten their defense and allowed Patubo to earn the hat-trick as he slipped through at the 49th minute mark to again give his team the lead, 3-2. MCS still had time to tie the game but were held down and had to settle for defeat instead. SIS vs MHS Saipan International School bagged their first win of the season against Marianas High School via forfeit. SSHS and SIS join Marianas High School V, MCS and MHS JV at the top of the team standings with one win each.