Shultz: Women’s football improving

Pacific Islands Club’s Paradise in Cleats captain Brenda Shultz the other day thanked organizers of the 2008 Women’s Recreational Football League and said women’s soccer on Saipan is on the rise because of such programs.

“I would like to thank [Women’s Committee director] Francine Sablan and the whole committee for all their endless work organizing the women’s program. They have done an excellent job promoting women’s soccer in the CNMI. They do so much more than many of us ever know behind the scenes to give us the game,” she said.

Shultz, who kicked the winning goal in her team’s victory in the finals against Matt Smith’s Smithereens last Saturday, was pleasantly surprised by how women’s soccer has improved in two shorts years.

“All the teams are really improving. There is a lot of good soccer being played in the women’s program. It is amazing to see the growth of skills among the league as a whole in comparison to the Spring Season of 2006 when we first began. Congratulations to all the women players! It’s been exciting to see more and more high school and junior high girls come out for the teams. They are our future and hopefully they will choose to go out for the CNMI National Team next season,” she said.

Shultz also extended her gratitude to 2008 Women’s Recreational Football League sponsors, namely PIC, Mathew Smith, Wild Bill’s, and Marianas Eye Institute for keeping soccer affordable for all women.

“You are doing great things for the women in our community. Everyone knows times are tough and sports are a great way for people to stay positive and healthy. Thank you so much!” she said.

Schultz booted her team to the championship of the 2008 Women’s Recreational Spring Football League after scoring the marginal goal in overtime against Smithereens last Saturday at the CPA Airport Field.

After both teams finished the 80-minute game all tied up at 1-1, Shultz found the back of the net following a strong penalty kick in the five-minute mark of the first 15-minute overtime.

It was Schultz’s second goal of the game.

In the second 15-minute extension, a major offensive attempt was made by the Smithereens as they surged past the PIC defense and were well within the 18-yard line before a gutsy save by PIC Noi Horey thwarted the near scoring of the Smithereens.

Paradise In Cleats then held the score to 2-1 finishing out the overtime and taking home the league’s perpetual trophy.