MP United U12 vows to keep winning ways

 When the 2012 NMIFA Youth Spring League kicks off next week, MP United boys U12 will still be the team to watch in the age  group competition.

The Joel Jimenez-coached MP United U12 will be riding on the momentum it gained from winning 2011 NMIFA Boys and Girls FA  Cup and sweeping the fall season when it begins its campaign in the spring season, which is tentatively set to start on Feb. 18.

“MP United U12 will always be a force to be reckoned with,” Jimenez said in an email to Saipan Tribune when asked of the team’s chance for the upcoming season.

MP United U12 was undefeated in the fall season and capped the year with a 1-0 title win over its fiercest rival, Paire Football Club. Amir Abes scored the lone goal in the closely fought match. Completing the team were Alex Park, Noel Cabrera, Gee Syu Hahn, Clayton Izuka, Steve Kim, James Kim, Kentaro Kitagawa, Bada Lee, Jesus Quitano, Colin Ramsey, Arthur Sondheim, Wataru Tajima, Sun Joon Tenorio, and Moris Villanueva.

“Fortunately we had no real struggles the past season. Although resources and money on Saipan is sometimes a hindrance, we make the best out of the situation. The team’s performance during the 2011 season was based on improvement and work ethic. Therefore, if we base our success on this criteria, given the fact that we started the season with a 5, we ended the season with a 10,” Jimenez added when asked to sum up their 2011 campaign.

He added that the players’ parents and assistant coach Lydia Tan played crucial roles in the team’s success.

“I consider everyone from the parents, to the coaching staff, and the players as part of the team. The strongest attribute from the parents is definitely their resounding support for bringing the players to every practice and for cheering at every game, rain or shine. From my assistant coach, it’s her grinding dedication to the team and without her help I would not be able to do my job as a coach. From the players, it’s their drive to become better football players,” Jimenez said.

With everybody working together to keep the team stronger, Jimenez expects the team to have another notable showing this season.

“My expectations for the Spring 2012 season are the same as last season: to maintain a strong work ethic and build responsible young men through football. Our roster will be very different this upcoming season as more than half of the players are moving up to U15. However, we will be adding many new faces coming up from the younger age divisions as well as new players from around the island. I look forward to the challenge in turning this next batch of young players into the future All-Stars for the CNMI,” he said.

Ramsey, Lee, Tenorio, Villanueva, Izuka, Park, James Kim, and Abes are among those leaving the squad and moving up to the higher age group.

Before the 2012 spring season starts, MP United U12 is scheduled to compete against Guam and Philippine teams in a tournament in Guam early next month.