CNMI completes training camp in Japan

The CNMI Women’s National Team players and officials pose with their hosts during a courtesy visit to Hakone Mayor Nobuo Yamaguchi last week. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

The CNMI Women’s National Team had a six-day training camp in Japan last week in preparation for its campaign in the 2018 EAFF Women’s Preliminary Round 1.

The camp, which ran from June 21 to 26 at the Seisa Hakone Sengokuhara Sports Club, saw the Commonwealth’s female players challenging three teams in training matches, learning about the Japanese culture, visiting sites, and watching a professional game at the famous Nissan Stadium.

The Luam Khen-coached team first played against Japan Football Association’s U15 Team and lost, 0-9.

“The skill level and tactics of the JFA U15 were difficult for the team to play against. In the first half, the CNMI attacked on the left side and tried to penetrate the opponent’s midfield and defense flank. In the second half, the CNMI attacked the right side majority of the time. We had a good opportunity when we placed the ball in the opponent’s box, but was not able to finish,” team manager Angie Ito said.

The Commonwealth’s players also dueled Toyo High School and they played better, allowing only two goals. Then the visitors closed out the friendlies with matches against three Seisa teams. The CNMI lost to Seisa’s adult squad, 0-7, to the high school team, 0-3, and the middle school, 0-2.

“The Toyo HS team was a little less skilled compared to JFA U15 Academy, but their players were still able to control the ball and be aggressive in the game. We lost goals from basic mistakes and we were frequently penetrated from the blindside,” Ito said.

Against Seisa’s teams, Ito said the CNMI was able to do some attacking play and regain the ball much quicker.

“Overall, it was a positive input and output for the players. There were more discussion among the players and coaches regarding each game. The team had set goals on how to win the ball back and how to attack together. The tactics we had were not easily executed but the girls kept trying. The players are very much happy and they appreciate all the support they are getting from NMIFA, Seisa, JFA, and Jerry Tan. We hope that this trip helped the girls refocus their goals and objectives for EAFF and upcoming friendlies and tournaments,” the team manager said.

NMIFA technical director Michiteru Mita checked the team during their training camp last week, while his predecessor Kiyoshi Sekiguchi also visited the squad.

“We would like to thank all that helped made this camp happen. To Jerry Tan, coach Mita, to Ross Zapanta and the rest of NMIFA, thank you for your continued support to the Women’s National Team as this trip has given a lot of positive output to the players. We were well taken care of while at the Seisa Hakone Sports Club. Everyone welcomed us warmly every day,” Ito said.

“We had very competitive and challenging matches all throughout. Off the pitch, the girls always greeted the staff with a smile and they would work together to clean up after each meal and take care of the equipment. They looked out for each other,” she added.

Eighteen players joined the training camp and returned to Saipan yesterday morning. The list includes Chevy Kate Alipio, Elaine Enriquez, Jerlyn Castillo, Krizel Tuazon, Anela Duenas, Samantha Mancop, Paulynn Joyce, Sharmaine Francisco, Chloe Salvosa, Guinevere Borja, Diana Maniacop, Jasmine Phan, Britany Wally, Grace Choi, Aira Ngalongalo, Dianne Pablo, Bernadette Horey, and Jeralyn Castillo.