MPU’s Juanito Sambile looks on as he sets the play against Matansa FC during a Marianas Soccer League 2 game at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville on Friday last week.
MP United Football Club is one step closer to a title shot in the Marianas Soccer League 2 after edging Hana Football Club in a nail-biting overtime shootout, (3)1-1(2) at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville on Sunday.
It was in the second half of the quarterfinal match when Hana’s Sang Hun Lee drew first blood.
But MPU managed to equalize with Kazuki Aguon sinking the shot at the 72nd minute mark to tie the score and force overtime.
MPU excelled in the penalty kick shootout with Athan Taisague, James Salalila, and Jedidiah Peteru each contributing a goal. Hana scored only two goals.
Today, Friday, the semifinal matches will be played between MPU and Kanoa FC, and Old B Bank and Paire FC. The winners will vie for the title this Sunday.
MPU vs Matansa
On Friday last week, MPU faced Matansa Football Club.
MPU controlled the pace and held most of the possession. But Matansa held their ground, withstanding every incoming attack and staging offensive attempts of their own.
MPU was rewarded for their efforts after Matansa scored in their own goal.
Before the halftime break, MPU stretched its lead, 2-0, thanks to its continuous pressure that overwhelmed Matansa at the 40th minute mark.
Despite MPU’s strong start, however, Matansa entered the second half with more determination.
Matansa smothered MPU with constant pressure on both ends and quickly turned defense into offense led by Gabriel Arkoh who finished the play for his team’s first goal to cut the lead, 1-2.
With momentum on their side, Matansa broke down MPU’s line of defense and made their way inside where Arkoh delivered his second goal at the 54th minute mark to tie the score, 2-2.
Although there was more than enough time for a game-winning goal, neither team was able to create an opening and had to settle for a draw.
It was the second time that Matansa and MPU ended their match in a draw.
