WSR 1, GES 1 to vie for soccer title

The finals stage is set as William S. Reyes Elementary School Kingfishers 1 and Garapan Elementary School Mallards 1 are vying for the championship title of the 2024-2025 NMIFA-PSS Interscholastic Elementary School Soccer League.

In the semis, the Kingfishers outlasted Saipan International School Geckos, 2-1, last Friday at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville.

The Kingfishers, after settling for second place last season, are back in the finals, while defending champions Koblerville Elementary School Umangs are out of contention. With that, the Kingfishers took on the Geckos with confidence despite an early attack by SIS’ Guy Pudney in the first minute.

WSR’s Ryan Ichihara leveled the playing field with an equalizer nine minutes in and it was anybody’s game. Both teams looked to score and they were evenly matched until WSR’s Raynold Saka netted the second goal in the 12th minute.

The 2-1 WSR lead held steadfast as the first half faded and as the second half unfolded. SIS had opportunities that were wasted and the Kingfishers hung on by a thread to solidify their finals spot for a chance at redemption this season.

As for the semis between both GES teams there were no such thing as friends as GES 1 kicked out GES 2, 3-0.

Defense was the name of the game as both teams could not get past each other’s keeper. The clock was winding down with only goose eggs on the board until GES 1’s Evan Poole slotted one in the 25th minute.

The struggle for possession ensued once more as GES 2 tried to get on the board and even it up. However, it was not meant to be with GES 1 making back-to-back goals in the 41st and 42nd by Jacob Borja and Keanu Pangelinan.

At 3-0, GES 2 failed to catch up as the closing whistle sounded and handed the win to GES 1.

The finals is set for tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 17 at 5:30pm. The third place match between SIS and GES 2 is right before at 4pm.