Blue Ayuyus share glory of historic win

CNMI players pay their respect to the CNMI flag during the singing of the Commonwealth anthem before their game against Macau in the Preliminary Round 1 of the 2015 EAFF East Asian Cup last week at the Guam Football Association Training Centre in Harmon. (Guam Football Association)

“The win is not only for the players who played against Macau, but also to all the people who have been supporting CNMI soccer since 2005,” coach Kiyoshi Sekuguchi said.

The coach is talking of Northern Mariana Islands Football Association officials and staffs, coaches, players’ parents, referees, heads of private companies, and other individuals who are doing their part in promoting the sport in the CNMI. Even those who cheered for the Blue Ayuyus from their home, sending good luck messages via Facebook, or those who went to Guam to watch the games were part of the squad’s recent triumph.

The CNMI defeated Macau in the EAFF-sanctioned event last Wednesday, 2-1, to bag its first victory in an international tournament. It was recorded after the Blue Ayuyus came from a 0-4 loss to Mongolia. Some of the Commonwealth players were in disarray on defense against Mongolia, but after their debut loss, they got back into their groove and pulled off the upset.

“We met after the game against Mongolia and made sure we know how to play our offense and defense in our next game (versus Macau). The players followed the instructions and we’re able to get the win,” Sekiguchi said.

Just the beginning
The victory was unexpected, according to NMIFA president Jerry Tan, since Macau has a strong team and even forced eventual winner Guam to a scoreless draw a few days before the CNMI dueled the former Portuguese colony.

“Guam could not beat Macau so we never expected our team to win. However we did it and it goes to show that the ball is round, anything can happen,” said Tan, who compared the Blue Ayuyus to World Cup champion Germany.

“Germany won the World Cup without star players. We don’t have star players—individuals who really stand out— but we have a group with excellent teamwork. They played very well together and watched each other’s back. The team capitalized on the opportunity presented to them and never gave up even though Macau scored first,” Tan added.

Macau scored in the 14th minute, but failed to hang on to the lead, as Nick Swaim and Kirk Schuler delivered for the CNMI.

The upset against Macau is just a beginning of more good things for CNMI football, according to Tan and a proof that the Commonwealth is doing the right thing as far as the development of the sport is concerned.

“We’re progressing slowly and gradually. We’re definitely moving forward and I am very proud of what we accomplished in nine years. Our neighbors and other countries have between 50 to 80 years of football history, while Hong Kong just celebrated its 100 years. We’re only on our ninth year and still a baby , but we’ve come a long way. This is just the beginning and we will strive harder to improve our players and our program,” the NMIFA head said.

The CNMI’s program is focused on the youth and both Tan and Sekiguchi acknowledged its significance to the recent success of the CNMI Men’s National Team.

“The CNMI will become an even stronger team because of its grassroots and youth development programs,” Sekiguchi said.

“We have to take note that several players who suited up for out men’s team are products of our youth league/youth program, so we have to continue strengthening our youth development program to get more good results in future international competitions,” said Tan, who thanked Sekiguchi for steering the Blue Ayuyus to the historic win.