MP United U12 rules FA Cup

 MP United U12 topped the 2011 NMIFA Boys and Girls FA Cup after beating Paire Football Club, 1-0, last Saturday at the Hopwood Junior High School Field.

Amir Abes scored the lone goal in the championship game, hitting a cross from the right sideline in the 18th minute off a feed from Alex Park to give MP United the perpetual trophy in the inaugural FA Cup for the boys U12 and girls U15 teams.

Joining Abes and Park on the champion squad are Noel Cabrera, Gee Syu Hahn, Clayton Izuka, Steve Kim, James Kim, Kentaro Kitagawa, Bada Lee, Jesus Quitano, Colin Ramsey, Arthur Sondheim, Wataru Tajima, Sun Joon Tenorio, and Moris Villanueva. Joel Jimenez is MP United U12’s coach, while Lydia Tan is his assistant.

Jimenez’ s wards were undefeated this fall season, winning nine games, including the finale against Paire.

“This (championship) is a product of the team’s hard work. Every game, they keep pushing themselves, especially on defense. They would not let up, chasing the ball and the opposing team’s players. They also showed tremendous teamwork as seen in our passing plays today (last Saturday),” Jimenez said in a brief interview with Saipan Tribune.

MP United connected off their tough defense and good passing, as after stealing possession from Paire near midcourt, Park saw Abes sprinting to the right sideline and made the pass. Abes dribbled against only one defender, while Paire goalie Felix Kim committed a defensive gamble as instead of staying on his spot, the latter decided to move sideways, anticipating that former will continue to attack. However, Abes stopped and kicked the ball hard and the ball crossed, rolling toward the left post. Abes jumped in celebration and was mobbed by his teammates at center court.

Paire made a lot of attempts to score and equalize, but MP United’s defense was always there to foil the repeated bid. John Auther broke away from his defenders twice in the first half, but after kicking the ball, MP United strikers managed to block it. Gideon Borja also had opportunities of scoring, but Villanueva was there to frustrate him.

Lee, MP United’s captain, received the perpetual trophy after the championship game from Northern Mariana Islands Football Association president Jerry Tan. Saturday’s title match was the first time NMIFA hosted the FA Cup for boys U12 and girls U15 teams. Youth league committee member Lydia Tan said they will now hold the FA Cup annually and it will take place every fall season.

MP United advanced to the finals of the FA Cup after thumping Matansa girls U15 in the semis, 3-1, while Paire won the other semis pairing over MP United girls U15, 3-0, last Monday.