Players happy to get their kicks

The latest round of the Northern Mariana Islands Football (Soccer) Association’s Women’s League went off without a hitch at the Garapan Elementary School pitch as all four teams gave their all and had a ball. Though they look like just another bunch of pretty faces, don’t be fooled. Just because they’re women doesn’t mean that they run, jump, and kick like girls.

For Marianas Eye-yey-yeye striker Catherine Perry-Anderson, every game is a chance to break free of the sidelines and satisfy her hunger for the game that had managed to elude her since her college days.

“I played a couple years at Marianas High [School] and in college, and I’ve always wanted to get back on the field. I used to be jealous of my nine-year-old running the field while I sat on the sidelines. Not anymore,” she said.

Aside from returning for the thrill of competition, Anderson said that she appreciates the opportunity to learn from the talented staff of coaches.

“It’s a real privilege to be under the direction of the caliber of coaches we have. I can always hear their words in my head: ‘Accuracy is more important’ when I’m tempted to rush; ‘Cool’ to relax before the kick; or ‘That’s the beauty of soccer’ when we set up a good play. They’ve taught us so much [and there’s] so much more yet to be mastered,” she said.

Anderson said that she also holds close the support of the organizers who work tirelessly behind the scenes, the coaches, and her fellow players who constantly strive toward reaching the ultimate goal of becoming the best players they can be.

Grace “Roast Beef” Villagracia is one of the players tearing up the Garapan sod on Saturdays and is the lone goal scorer for the beleaguered Saipan Fire Dawgs. Though her squad has yet to win a game, they are headed for the post-season with a truckload of ambition when they face the high-scoring Sarah Helbert the undefeated Marianas Eye-yeye-yeye.

With the regular season behind her, Villagracia said that her most memorable moment has been finding the back of the net in her first game.

“Our first game was tough and we lost tragically, but scoring goals is always sweet thing for me so that should be my memorable moment so far,” she said.

Villagracia said that the reason she enjoys scoring so much is because of the celebration that follows.

“Soccer players are suddenly given all the right in the world to get crazy! Trust me, I’d love to do a ‘Brandi Chastain’ in the future,” she said.

While she has years of experience behind her, Villagracia said that she was shocked by how many women showed up for the inaugural season. With three games in the bag, “Roast Beef” sees good things for the fledgling organization.

“I’m overwhelmed with the way this has turned out, with as many as 38 women involved and this is only the first year! Things are definitely looking bright for the women’s soccer league,” said Villagracia.

The feisty midfielder continued to say that the turnout was just the one of the reasons she is optimistic about the league’s future because she has noticed a change in attitude among her fellow players.

“Those who joined with the goal of just losing weight are now not only concerned about the pounds but scoring goals as well. That says it all I guess about how much everyone’s enjoying every minute of it. For me, I just love it,” she said.

Villagracia also joined the growing list of thankful players in recognizing the organizers of the league “most especially to the wonderful women behind it—Brenda Schultz, Sue Knecht, and Vicki Izuka.”