CNMI U16 team back on track

Up against the host squad and the partisan crowd, the CNMI U16 National Team played its best defensive game so far in the AFC U16 Championship India 2016 Qualifiers, holding down Laos to five goals last Wednesday night at the National Sports Complex Stadium in Vientiane.

The CNMI’s Mareko Tekopua, right, stays close on defense against Laos’ Thanousone Silipanya during the first half of their game in the AFC U16 Championship India 2016 Qualifiers last Wednesday night at the National Sports Complex Stadium in Vientiane, Laos. (Contributed Photo)

The Kiyoshi Sekiguchi-coached squad played no let up on defense in the entire first half to blank Laos before the host found ways to score in the second.

“I would say this is their best game ever. The players listened and did exactly what the coaches told them to do, that’s why we held Laos to five goals. The 0-0 first half is a great accomplishment for the CNMI team. Everybody did whatever they can to stop Laos from scoring, throwing their bodies to block the opponent’s shots. Everybody felt good after the game. We achieved our goal of five or less goals from Laos,” assistant coach Jershwin Angeles was quoted as saying in a report from team manager Eric Abragan.

“The CNMI vs. Laos was very exciting. It drew a very loud and electrifying crowd complete with drums/band. This is the first time our players played in a big stadium (25,000 capacity) with over two thousand crowd in attendance last night,” Abragan added in his report.

After being frustrated repeatedly by the CNMI’s relentless defense in the opening 45 minutes of play, Laos finally made it to the board in the 53rd minute off forward Xayyaphon Sengsavang’s goal. Sengsavang provided the needed spark in Laos’ lackluster offense after the first half, as the substitute player added two more goals, scoring in the 56th and 61st minute. Starter and defender Thatthaya Phoutthavong and midfielder Boulapha Chaleungsouk delivered the two other goals for the hosts, as they hit the board in the 81st and 79th minute, respectively.

The five goals against Laos was the least the CNMI has allowed so far. Against Timor-Leste, the Commonwealth bets gave up eight and then allowed 13 in their game opposite Malaysia.

“I believe the boys got their confidence back after the game last night (Wednesday). This confidence will help the team get the best result this Sunday. Today (yesterday) we relax, enjoy, and free the mind. We have three days to recover before our biggest match for this tournament,” Angeles added.

The CNMI assistant coach is talking of their last game in the qualifier against the Philippines this Sunday at 4pm (7pm Saipan time). The Philippines representatives are also winless in two games and were scheduled to challenge the unbeaten Malaysia (2-0) last night. In an earlier interview with Saipan Tribune, the CNMI coaches said they have a strong chance against the Philippines.

Meanwhile, midfielder Joshua De Leon is recovering well after getting injured in the 28th minute of the match.

“Joshua was checked by LFF medical doctor and after the game was carried in an ambulance to the hospital for x-ray and further checkup. Right about the same time we arrived at the hotel for our dinner, Joshua also arrived and was ushered by the team on a wheelchair to rest his leg. The doctors cleared Joshua’s x-ray from broken bones and he is recovering and rested last night,” Eric Abragan said.

De Leon was a starter for the CNMI, joining goalie Clayton Izuka, Euly Ermitanio, Alan Hinson, Mareko Tekopua, Thaiphi Austria, Louie Calayad, Emmanuel Aniana, Sunjoon Tenorio, Anthony Fruit, and Chad Shankweiller. Jonathan Capayas relieved the injured De Leon, while Alex Park and Edwin Kim were the two other substitutes.