By James Sablan
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Variety News Staff
THE youngest divisions stole the spotlight on the opening day of the 10th Annual President’s Cup Futsal Tournament, turning the TSL Sports Complex and Saipan Soccer School into a showcase of high-energy, fast-paced action filled with victories and defeats.
With the tournament’s signature three-game guaranteed bracket format in play, coaches in the U8, U10, and U12 divisions enjoyed the freedom to let their squads play aggressively without the fear of immediate elimination.
U8 Division
The U8 division delivered exactly what tournament fans love most: nonstop movement, infectious enthusiasm, and a flurry of goals.
MP United Football Club and Latte Football Club set the tone early in their respective fixtures with relentless pressure.
MP United FC opened the division with a 2-0 victory over Matansa Football Club.
Latte Football Club followed with an even more dominant performance, overwhelming Kanoa Football Club, 7-0. Michael Soriano led the charge with six goals, while Kyrie Rivera added another to complete the rout.
The third match between Paire Football Club and Saipan Soccer School ended in a scoreless 0-0 draw.
U10 Division
Stepping into the U10 bracket, the style of play shifted toward greater teamwork and court awareness.
The match between MPU and Matansa FC went the distance after both teams finished regulation tied at 1-1. In overtime, however, MPU pulled away with a 2-1 advantage to secure a 3-2 victory.
Kanoa Football Club also entered the winner’s circle with a 2-1 win over Saipan Soccer School, while Paire FC routed Shirley’s Football Club, 2-0.
U12 Division
The U12 matches showcased the highest level of tactical play among the junior divisions, featuring intense physical battles, organized defenses, and synchronized rotations.
Kanoa FC 2 turned in a strong performance as Ethan Sablan and Tyson Villagomez each scored to secure a 2-0 shutout victory over Matansa FC.
The sibling squad, Kanoa FC 1, produced a similar result by defeating Shirley’s FC, 4-1, behind a hat trick from Liam Palacios and another goal from Jacob Borja.
Paire FC also joined the celebration, edging MPU, 1-0, behind a lone goal from Brayden Brennfleck.
Thanks to the tournament’s three-game guarantee format, the story is far from over for teams that dropped their opening matches.
James Sablan has been a sports reporter for Variety since 2013. He was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College and covers all local sports.
