Teen Ayuyus experience N. Korea’s high-level football

The CNMI U13 National Team got a taste of North Korea’s high level of play in its 0-13 loss yesterday in the East Asian Football Federation Boys U13 Festival 2015 at the Leo Palace Resort Field in Guam.

The CNMI U13 National Team’s starting 11 poses for a photo before playing against North Korea yesterday in the East Asian Football Federation Boys U13 Festival 2015 at the Leo Palace Resort Field in Guam. (Eric Abragan)

North Korea, which was heavily favored in the five-nation event, lived up to its lofty billing scoring one goal after another against the Teen Ayuyus en route to its biggest winning margin so far in the festival. The North Koreans registered five goals in the first half, three of them came in a span of three minutes (27th, 28th, and 30th) and tacked on eight more in the final period to complete its domination of the CNMI.

Despite the loss, CNMI coach Jersh Angeles saw positive points in their game against North Korea.

“The boys are very fortunate to play against North Korea and experience the high level of football this country has. Even if we gave up 13 goals, the experience and realization of the boys from this festival will help them improve as an individual and as a team,” Angeles said.

“So much was happening around us this morning like injured and sick teammates and the hot weather—they were losing focus. I told the boys to deal with them, make use of what we have and still focus on the game. I switched some players and have them try new positions. I also gave players equal playing time for this last match. We still tried to attack when we had the chance and were able to take a few shots,” the coach added.

The closest attempt came from defender Kirt Andon around the final five minutes of the 60-minute match.

“I let him play center midfield in the second half that’s how he was able to beat the last defender by dribbling. He was able to shoot against the goalkeeper (Fan Ilu Su) and everyone was standing up ready to celebrate but it ended up on the goalie’s hands,” Angeles said.

Earlier in the first half, Andon also attempted a free kick about 30 yards away, but Su blocked it.

According to Angeles, Andon’s free kick almost hit the upper right corner of the goal before the North Korean goalkeeper caught the ball.

“It was a very nice shot, a very close one,” the Teen Ayuyus mentor added.

With the CNMI crew completing its assignment in the festival yesterday, team officials acknowledged the people who made their stint in the EAFF event possible.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people that supported the team: EAFF, GFA and NMIFA officials, NMI U13 officials, parents, and the players. Everyone enjoyed the event and is looking forward to the next festival,” Angeles said.

The CNMI fielded 18 players for the festival with Andon joined by goalkeepers Floyd Muna and Jason Quimzon, defenders Eun Syu Hahn, Lolobeyong Benito, and Ian Maniago, midfielders Mark Esalan, Thaiphi Austria, Sebastien Manabat, Kirro Batino, Raseff Altamirano, Angelo Bergancia, Justin Achas, and Johoey Noble, and forwards John Michale Rojas, Edward Cho, Kaden Church, and Taka Borja on the Teen Ayuyus’ roster. Associate Judge David Wiseman was the CNMI’s delegation head, while Taketomo Suzuki and Eric Abragan served as assistant coach and team manager, respectively.