MP United draws, 1-1 with Matansa in MSL

MP United Football Club and Matansa FC’s match ended in a 1-1 draw in the Marianas Soccer League 1 last Wednesday at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville.

Exchanges between the two 10 minutes into the game led to nothing as it was a closely contested affair. But then, Matansa drew first blood in the 15th minute made by Anthony Bergancia and put them up, 1-0.

The match resumed with both sides kicking up a storm that led to multiple missed opportunities. MP United tried to play catch as the first half came and went as quickly as Matansa’s lone goal. The first half faded away, with the second half renewing vigor from both teams.

As the second half began, the intensity on the pitch increased. MP United—who are stacked with national team players—did not let a one goal deficit bring them down.

Finally, Cody Shimizu became their saving grace as he slotted a goal past Matansa’s keeper to tie the game up, 1-1, in the 47th minute.

Now, with the game at a deadlock, both teams intensified their efforts to score the winning goal. The clock ticked down unforgivingly and the final minutes saw both teams pushing for a winner, but neither could find the decisive goal.

With Shimizu on MP United’s roster was Dustin Radke, Simon Tang, Dev Bachani, Isiah Hossain, Wataru Kadokura, Casey Chambers, Leo Takahashi, Ronnel Ocanada, William Sose, Mark Costales, Leland Deleon Guerrero, Monaco Claridades, Tristan Raho, Edward Arriola III, Jether Yobech, Jireh Yobeh, and Ian Song.

On Matansa with Bergancia was Ariel Narvaez Jr., Saixian Bagsic, Jonne Navarro, Anthony Austria, Zhi Xiang Lin, John Masga, Tanapon Unsa, Joe Miller, Mareko Tekopua, Jamin Elliot, Seho Baek, Sunjoon Tenorio, and Dane Hodges.

In the standings, Kanoa leads with six wins, two draws, and no losses; MP United sports their 4-2-1 record; Matansa is at 3-3-2; Paire is 2-0-6; and the Men’s Developmental Team is 1-0-7.