The undefeated Manta Rays went a scoreless first half before landing three straight goals past their foes.
The Ayuyus took a 1-0 lead in the 30th minute thanks to Ichitaro Faisao.
“In the first half we didn’t play that well. You know, the championship jitters,” said Saipan Southern High’s coach Eric Cooke after the game. “Going into halftime we talked about playing as a team, passing and moving, and the things that we’ve worked on all season.”
A hand ball by KHS gave the Mantas their much needed chance. In the 12th minute, Young Park broke the ice with a penalty kick.
But it wasn’t over yet.
Hae Sung lifted SSHS, 2-1 with a goal in the 27th minute and Joseph Jung rallied deep into Kagman territory to score their last point.
The Mantas had a quick change in goalies — Willy Brana for Don Cabrera — before securing the match.
“The boys came out in the second half and played really great soccer. They passed, they communicated, and they ended up winning the game,” said Cooke.
According to him and co-coach Arkie Reusora, the team had no need to change strategies in the second half.
Cooke recalled only having four goals scored against them during regular season, while they piled around 50.
Saipan Southern High will have six players graduate this year. Eight players will return next year.
Last Thursday, Marianas High School 2 won, 3-1 via PK shootout against MHS1.
