WSR beats MCS in shootout

A William S. Reyes Elementary School player is surrounded by Mt. Carmel School defenders during the first half of their title game in the boys division of the 2015 NMIFA U12 Interscholastic Football League last Saturday at the Hopwood Junior High School Field. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

William S. Reyes Elementary School took the boys championship in the 2015 NMIFA U12 Interscholastic Football League after outgunning Mt. Carmel School in a shootout, 3-1, last Saturday at the Hopwood Junior High School Field.

Jim Maniago, Wayne Lizama, and Anthony Bergancia knocked in the needed goals for WSR, while goalie Oliver Fajardo made the title-clinching catch to give the Kingfishers the championship that eluded the team last year. WSR lost to Saipan International School in last season’s finale, 1-2.

In this year’s finals, WSR and MCS engaged in a shootout after a scoreless draw in regulation. The opposing squads were also given 15 minutes in overtime to break the standoff, but neither could cash in on the extra period, making the shootout the deciding factor in the winner-take-all finale.

The Knights’ made the first attempt with Merrick Toves canning a right corner shot. Maniago was next and he equalized for WSR with his upper 90 to the right against MCS goalkeeper Juan Guerrero going in. Mt. Carmel returned to the penalty area, but Jeremiah Diaz overshot his mark with the ball going above the top center of the crossbar.

With Diaz missing, the Kingfishers had the chance to grab the lead and they did, as Lizama made a volley. The Knights attempted to tie the match, but Jin Ho Park’s kick was way too wide to the right corner. WSR then gained more cushion in the next play, as Bergancia’s shot hit the top corner of the post and then dropped in.

Behind by two, Mt. Carmel must convert its next penalty attempt to stay alive and Richard Steele was tasked to deliver the pressure-packed shot. He let go of the kick with the ball heading straight up to the center and Fajardo catching it. However, Fajardo’s save was nullified, as he stepped forward even before Steele kicked the ball.

The MCS striker had another chance and unloaded a similar shot, but again Fajardo’s quick hands and feet prevailed, as he caught the ball for the second straight time.

“I was a bit worried after I made the error (moving forward early). But, I kept reminding myself I have to remain focused and watch where the ball is going,” Fajardo told Saipan Tribune after the title-clinching catch.

Fajardo and the rest of the WSR players and coaching staff were presented with the championship and perpetual trophies after the victory in the shootout.

The title was second for the Kingfishers and they tied Saipan Community School with the most championships in the boys division. WSR’s other title was won in 2012, whole SCS got the two crowns in back-to-back fashion (2009 and 2010). Koblerville was the inaugural boys champion in the league in 2008, while Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School hoisted the coveted trophy in 2011 and Whispering Palms and SIS had their turns in 2013 and 2014, respectively.

“When we lost to SIS last season, the players and coaching staff were obviously disappointed so coming into the 2016 season, we were motivated to get into the finals again to have a chance to win the championship this time,” WSR coach Ray Aguon said.

“When the game went into a shootout, I was as nervous as my players were. But we can’t do anything about that pressure, so we just had to go and try our best. I am glad the boys delivered.”