Kanoa Football Club players poses for a photo after winning the U17 boys division championship of the TakeCare Youth Soccer League Spring 2024 at the NMI Soccer Training Center on Saturday.
KANOA Football Club won the U17 boys division title of the TakeCare Youth Soccer League Spring 2024 after outlasting Latte Football Club in an overtime penalty shootout, (6)1-1(4), at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville on Saturday.
Both teams filled the first half of the match with intense high-paced action.
In the first 20 minutes, KNFC controlled most of the possession due to their aggressive approach on both ends of the field. At the 11th minute mark, the team managed to bring the ball deep within enemy territory where Paul Lizama capitalized off the pressure play to find the back of the net and give KNFC the upper hand, 1-0.
KNFC tried to hold onto the advantage but LFC took over the momentum at the 29th minute mark as Zhi Xiang Lin led the break and connected the first goal for the team, 1-1.
Throughout the second half, both teams fought vigorously to notch the game-winning goal. But neither team delivered, and the game ended in a tie, forcing a penalty shootout.
KNFC’s Tyler Omelau connected the first shot but LFC’s Mark Costales also delivered. After Christian Negara connected the second goal for KNFC, LFC’s Chanseo Yeom missed.
Although LFC recovered with successful shots courtesy of Monico Claridades and Zhi Xiang Lin, KNFC’s Akoni Matsumoto, Izeah Jolo, and Paul Lizama drained each of their attempts to secure the win, 6-4, and claim the U17 boys championship title.
In the battle for third place, MP United Football Club triumphed against Matansa Football Club via overtime shootout, (5)2-2(4).
