Guam out-goals Mongolia, 2-1

Guam out-goaled Mongolia, 2-1, on Day 2 of the NMIFA Women’s U21 Three Nations Cup last Wednesday at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville.

The first half saw intense back-and-forth action as both teams tried to get the best of the other. Guam had more chances at the goal that they could not convert, and the scoreless draw continued way into the end of the first half.

With still a 0-0 draw at the half, an extra four minutes of time was added. Guam inched closer to realizing a goal with each possession, and finally, Sarah Benavente juked Mongolia defenders after a far distance assist by teammate Richelle Ragadio at the 45+1-minute mark for a 1-0 lead.

Guam then looked for more insurance goals in the second half as it was still anybody’s game. Mongolia made multiple pushes at the goal, but to no avail and a mistake by their keeper in the 65th minute proved to be a costly one.

It was Guam’s possession and with a press by Olivia Haddock on the right wing, found herself face-to-face with the keeper. The keeper left the ball wide open on the ground and Haddock capitalized as she made a quick kick to her left for the second goal of the game, 2-0.

Guam breathed a little better as they sat at a 2-nil advantage. Mongolia then just tried to play catchup until the end to no avail. Their lone goal came a little too late with a penalty kick by Khaliut Mungkhgarid with less than 10 seconds in the two-minute extra time for a 2-1 final.

With Benavente, Haddock, and Ragadio on Guam’s team are Kalle Damian, Cindy Maestrecampo, Ariya Cruz, Marlena Connelley, Orung Santos, Emily Walton, Ahela’aoku’upu’uwai Kaae, and Kalyn Savage. The substitutes include Feah Fejeran, Aiyanna Duenas, Yzabella Saddo, Crista Cruz, Jaelyn Han, Cadence Guzman, Hannah Charfauros, Razaiya Quiambao, and Ryley Munoz. Their head coach is Kimberly Sherman.

With Mungkhgarid on Mongolia’s team are Zambaga Tumurbat, Ganbolor Tumenjargal, Enerel Sukhbat, Sarangua Boldbaatar, Anundari Khasgaa, Oyun-Erdene Bayaraa, Ariunzaya Khanidkhuu, Odon-Erdene Unenbat, Buyandelger Baatarsuren, and Chantsal Bayasgalant. The substitutes consist of Khongordagina Purevynyam, Binderiya Davaasuren, Gantigmaa Chuluuntsend, Oyudari Uyanga, Oyuntuguldur Batsaikhan, Oyuntogos Mart, Nomin Uyanga, Munkhzul Tumurbaatar, and Gankhishig Ganbold. Their head coach is Davaalkhagva Erdene-Ochir.

Last night was the rivalry matchup between the NMI and Guam, with results to follow. Today, the NMI takes on Mongolia again at 6pm. Catch the action at the NMISTC in Koblerville.

On Saturday, June 27, Guam takes on Mongolia again, while on the last day of the tourney on Sunday, NMI wraps it up with a final matchup against Guam.

In an interview with Northern Mariana Islands Football Association general secretary Ross Zapanta, he said that this tourney, coupled with the previous friendly matches/training camps with other FAs around the world is a great boost for sports tourism in the CNMI, and a great opportunity for the association, the players, and the community.

“It’s a lot of hard work but it’s exciting for us because this is the first time that we’re hosting an actual tournament with more than two teams. Usually, it’s just Guam and the NMI,” he said. “We don’t have a lot of tourists but because of sports, there’s a lot now. There were even back-to-back badminton tourneys and last week’s soccer training camp. So it’s good.”

For the NMI’s performance and how this experience will help develop the players and the program, Zapanta said, “It helps a lot because when you are just competing against the same old players, some of them think they are very good players. They have no way of comparing their skills against international competition. They only go to sanctioned tournaments like once or twice a year, so it’s very hard for them to compete. But with this experience, they gain more skills, they become more confident. And now, we could compete with Guam, we could compete with Mongolia, and after this, we’re having the Marianas Cup against Guam on Aug. 3 and 4.”

In the future, he said, since there’s now two full- sized pitches, they are looking forward to hosting more tournaments.