By Roselyn B. Monroyo
Variety News Staff

L&S/Kyung-Seung finished what it started in the inaugural NMIFA Men’s Open League/Marcos Alonso Cup beating Real Mariana in the championship match in a shootout, 3-2, last Sunday at the Oleai Sports Complex.
L&S/Kyung-Seung ended the regular season on top of the team standings with a 5-1-0 win/loss/draw record and went on to win the title after going undefeated in the playoffs.
The first-ever Alonso Cup eventual champion first topped Korean One in the quarterfinals, also in a shootout, 3-2, to advance to the semifinals.
In the semis, L&S/Kyung-Seung faced Fiesta Inter, which was the team that handed them their only loss in the regular season.
The semis match was another close game with L&S/Kyung-Seung pulling off another win via a shootout, 4-3.
The other semis match featured Real Mariana and Alliance with the former prevailing, 2-1.
Real Mariana, which ended the regular season with a 3-2-1 record, moved into the semis after blanking Onwel, 3-0.
Alliance and Fiesta Inter also held their opponents goalless in the quarterfinals to gain semis entries. Alliance downed the PTI Guardians, 3-0, while Fiesta Inter thwarted Independents, 2-0.
L&S/Kyung-Seung player-coach Jahangin Hossein credited teamwork for the title win.
“Everybody worked hard in the playoffs. We’re very happy to win this first men’s league and we are hoping to join the tournament next year with the same players,” Hossein.
L&S/Kyung-Seung received a trophy for their feat.
Real Mariana also received a trophy, while Onsel was awarded the Sportmanship Award.
“The Thai squad played the entire season without being issued a caution and they always delighted the fans with their attractive play and class attitude,” league coordinator Vince Stravino said.
Stravino thanked all the teams that participated in the inaugural tournament and the volunteers and referees that helped the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association organize the league.
“The tournament went very well. It was impressive to see the teams improve throughout the year and there were no serious injuries for the entire season,” he said.
“I really think Marcos Alonso would be proud of the performance of the teams. Marcos is a true gentleman of the sport of soccer and his ideals of fair play and healthy competition were demonstrated by all the players. It is a great beginning for the sport here in the Marianas,” Stravino added.
Alonso was on the island for a few months to help NMIFA grow the sport on NMI.
He was informed of the success of the league and sent his congratulations to the players and organizers.
“I am proud of everything you´ve put together, your effort, energy and love for the sport of soccer. I wish I was there to give you and all the players a big hug. Thanks for the honor again and keep it going,” Alonso said in an email.