CNMI Women’s All-Stars up for challenge in HK

Two CNMI Women’s All-Star Team players believe their experience in several off-island tournaments will help them withstand a tough competition in next week’s Luen Thai Cup in Hong Kong.

Coach Luam Ken Koo facilitates the CNMI All-Star Team’s drills during a training session at the Oleai Sports Complex Field last month. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

“We know what to expect—which is a big challenge from every team we will be facing in Hong Kong,” said midfielder Chloe Salvosa, who will be representing the Commonwealth in an off-island event for the fourth time.

“Majority of us have been to tournaments outside Saipan, so we are used to what it’s like to compete against other countries. Coach Koo (Luem Ken) has been telling us, too what kind of teams we will be up against and he is doing his best to prepare us for this tough battle,” Salvosa said.

The CNMI Women’s All-Stars, who are backed by Northern Mariana Islands Football Association, will square off against a selection from Chelsea FC Soccer School at 8:30am on July 7, South China Agricultural University Women’s Football Club on July 8, and Singapore National Women’s A Team on July 9.

“It won’t be easy. We have to do our best in every match and follow coach Koo’s instructions so we can give our opponents good games,” said De Jana Muna, who will be suiting up for the CNMI for the fifth time.

Muna and Salvosa are among the players who are still on island and training under Koo’s watch. They will leave Saipan on Monday, along with Alexandria Vergara, Angelica Mia Carreon, Diana Maniacop, Elaine Enriquez, Jennifer Perena, Krizel Tuazon, Sara Allen, and Lalaine Pagarao. This group will join its nine other teammates who went to Hong Kong earlier (June 22) to train with Chelsea FC Soccer School.

“While our other teammates are training in Hong Kong, we are also training here. After months of training, I think we made improvements on chemistry and communication,” said Salvosa.

As for her own improvement, the CNMI midfielder said her ball control is now better and she became more aggressive on offense.

Muna, who is one of the squad’s defenders, on the other hand, said she is more fearless going after the ball and hounding opponents.

“Before I am a bit afraid to collide with other players and fight hard for the ball. But after training for several months and playing against male players, I learned not to back down on defense and how to use the defensive techniques our coaches have been teaching us,” Muna said.

The team had several scrimmages against the CNMI U14 national training pool last month and held twice a day training sessions on numerous occasions to drum up their preparation for the Luen Thai Cup, which is being held in celebration of Luen Thai’s 50th anniversary.