CNMI U15 strikers all set for EAFF tourney

The CNMI U15 Team will leave Saipan this morning for a mini camp in Japan over the weekend before heading to Taiwan for the 2011 East Asian Football Federation U15 Youth Tournament.

“They are very excited to meet Japanese teams and compete in Taiwan. All the players are looking forward to the mini camp and the EAFF competition where they are hoping to put on a better showing this time,” coach Jersh Angeles said in a telephone interview with Saipan Tribune.

In Japan, the Commonwealth youth strikers will first play Yokohama FC U15 squad and then in Chiba City, the visitors will challenge the Jef United Chiba. Angeles’ wards will also duel players from the Tamadai-Meguro Junior High School in Meguro, Tokyo and then watch two J-League professional soccer matches.

The visitors will leave Japan for Taipei, Taiwan on Monday afternoon, as they are scheduled to play the host in their opening game on Wednesday.

The CNMI U15 Team has an 18-player roster for the EAFF tournament. The list includes Jordan Butcher, Enrico del Rosario, Ethan Dickinson, Kenneth Domingo, Gregzon Fontanilla, Joel and Mason Fruit, Dakota Hall, William Hinson II, Kennedy Izuka, Hunter Jewell, Andrew Johnson, Angelo Jones, Jehn Joyner, Jake Lee, Sean Perez, John Taisacan, and Jirech Yobech.

Before leaving this morning, the team had training sessions for three days. Players had their morning and afternoon practice last Monday and Tuesday and then they played against visiting players from Faith Baptist Bible College of Idaho and a couple of CNMI National Men’s Team members last Wednesday.

The Commonwealth youth strikers won the scrimmage, 3-2, with Joyner scoring two goals and Lee chipping in one. After the victory, the team failed to practice last Thursday and yesterday due to ran.

“It was good win, as it sort of gave them momentum, going to Taipei. Overall, our players are in good condition. Come game time, we expect them to play 100 percent from the opening buzzer to the last. In Taipei, they are expected to do the things we practiced in our training sessions,” Angeles said.

He added that CNMI U15 strikers underwent a two-week goalie clinic conducted by Japan Football Association’s Akira Yamanaka and this will help them face tough foes in Taipei.

The EAFF tournament will be played at the Taipei Municipal Stadium and besides the host, the CNMI will also face Hong Kong (July 21), defending champion Korea (July 22), Guam (July 23), and Macau (July 24).