AT a celebratory luncheon on Friday, the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association honored the NMI U20 Women’s National Team for their historic win against Bahrain during the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers — the NMI team’s first-ever victory in an AFC competition.
NMIFA President Jerry Tan praised the achievement in his opening remarks. “A clean sheet against Bahrain. In the sport of football, 3-0 is a very good score,” Tan said.
This year also marks NMIFA’s 20th anniversary. “We became an associate member of the Asian Football Confederation back in 2009 — three years later, we joined our first AFC competition. In other words, it took us 13 years to register our first win,” Tan noted. “Although this was not our first international victory, it was our first at the AFC level.”
Competing in the East Asia Football Federation, NMI’s men’s and women’s teams have triumphed many times. “But in those tournaments, we don’t play against the top teams,” Tan said. “At the AFC level, teams are grouped differently. We are level four, while level one teams are World Cup teams. So, every time we compete in an AFC competition, we face teams above our level. To beat any of the three teams is very difficult.”
That did not stop the NMI U20 Women’s National Team from making history by taking down Bahrain, 3-0.
Tan also thanked the coaches, team managers, and officials who supported the delegation. The team includes Mia Abuan, Abrey White, Iris Rasa, Joselyn Atalig, Orica George, Ye Lynn Ha, Summer Manahane, Cassidee Flores, Kaithlyn Chavez, Audrey Castro, Deseha Mendiola, Julie Chavez, Rizza Relucio, Sophia Quintos, Stacy Arriola, Alyssa Borlongan, Fiona Regan, Cassie Regan, Tamia Kileleman-Hix, and Megan Elayda. The staff was composed of Head of Delegation Luam Khen Koo, Head Coach Chi Ming Tang, Assistant Coaches Shuk Fan Wong, Mae Ito, and Ronnel Ocanada, Team Manager Khristelle Itaas, Assistant Team Manager Yu Hung Lee and Team Director Robert Zarajczyk.
Every player is a product of NMIFA’s grassroots programs.
In her remarks, U.S. Congresswoman Kimberlyn Kim-Hinds, a former goalkeeper and avid runner, reflected on the significance of the team’s achievement. “I could have never imagined being able to see the world and compete at this level. You can only get better as a player if you experience competition at a higher level. Taking into context the progress this association has made over the years — 3-0, ladies!” she said.
“Everything I do in Congress I learned from sports. Just like playing team sports — no one person wins the game. Ever. But it’s not just you, the player. It’s the people behind the scenes — the organizers and the support system — who give you the opportunity to play,” she added.
Team members shared their reflections on the historic win.
Summer Manahane, who scored NMI’s second goal, said she was “extremely grateful, and just so happy — I’m proud of the team,” she said.
Going into their third match of the tournament, the NMI was down 0-2, losing to Jordan (6-1) and host country Uzbekistan (8-0), but the 19-year-old said they remained determined. “We had dropped the first two games, so going into the third, we were really motivated. We knew it was going to be a tough match, but we tried to stay focused, leave it all on the field, and secure a win,” she said.
Manahane added: “We’re really happy we were able to secure the win. We’re very grateful, and I’m proud to represent the flag.”
For 17-year-old Julie Chavez, the victory was proof of dedication. “Hard work really pays off, especially the early mornings we put in,” she said. Although her sister, Kaithlyn Chavez, is one of the island’s top athletes, Julie said her inspiration comes from her sister’s effort rather than her success. “She’s not my inspiration, but her hard work is. I really appreciate it. People have looked up to her since she was young, and she’s a good role model.”
Julie said she tries to apply lessons from her sister’s playstyle and dedication. Regarding their historic win, she added: “It’s really special, especially since we’re from a small island where not many girls play soccer. Our team is full of young girls, and this was still a great learning experience. Not everyone gets an opportunity like this.”
Team Manager Khristelle Itaas said she always believed the team could succeed. “I thought that we had a chance to win. Looking at how Bahrain played prior to our match, I knew it was going to be tough, but I told the girls they could still make results,” she said.
“As a player, I could see that they felt very accomplished. Since NMIFA had never won at the AFC level before, I think they’re very proud to make the people back home proud, to make NMIFA proud, and to be proud of how hard they worked for this,” Itaas added.
The NMI U20 Women’s National Team members pose for a photo.
U.S. Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds smiles as NMI Football Association President Jerry Tan speaks during an appreciation lunch for the NMI U20 Women’s National Team at the Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan on Friday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
