THE NMI Women’s National Team won the NMIFA U21 Women’s Three Nations Cup 2024 after beating the Guam Women’s National Team for the second time at the NMI Soccer Training Center on Sunday night.
The game had a dramatic start as the rain poured for the first few minutes of the opening half, but as the sky eventually cleared, the action started to pick up. Both teams were determined to control the game, but it was the NMI that established dominance with their strategic play and unwavering teamwork.
After 40 minutes of back-and-forth exchanges between both teams, the NMI turned defense into offense with a leading pass that found an unguarded Jannah Casarino, who then connected a low corner shot at the 41st minute mark to give the home team the lead 1-0.
In the second half, the NMI picked up where they left off, exhibiting exceptional skills and orchestrating precision plays. After several attempts, they were rewarded at the 56th minute mark with a corner kick set up that was followed by a header from Gabrielle Race to extend the NMI’s lead, 2-0.
The NMI then made the mistake of lowering their guard and were punished for it as Guam’s resilience paid off with forward Cindy Maestrecampo fighting through defenders to create an opening and finding the back of the net to close the distance, 1-2.
But during another corner kick by the NMI, Guam scored at their own goal instead of clearing the possession as intended, allowing the home team to regain a comfortable lead, 3-1.
In the dying moments of the match, the NMI’s Kaithlyn Chavez, who had been a constant threat throughout the game, led the transition play but was fouled inside the penalty box, which led to a penalty kick. She delivered at the 86th minute to seal the win for the NMI, 4-1.
Head Coach Luam Khen Koo praised the performance of the NMI Women’s National Team. “I tell you, soccer in the CNMI has improved a lot over the years. We have been preparing for this for quite some time,” he added.
He believes that the NMI’s victory was due to the team’s confidence and strategy. The NMI also beat Mongolia twice.
In addition, NMI goalkeeper Toremy Baek won the Golden Glove award while Kaithlyn Chavez was named the Golden Boot awardee with five goals scored.
Published by Marianas Variety – July 30, 2024