By James Sablan
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE love of the game was on full display on Saturday, Valentine’s Day, as the TakeCare Youth Soccer League Spring 2026 season officially opened for the U12 boys competitive division. Victories were claimed by MP United Football Club, Paire Football Club, and Kanoa Football Club 1 during their debut matches at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville.
The headliner of the evening featured MP United FC delivering a dominant performance against Latte Football Club, 10-1.
MPU quickly established control of the tempo with constant pressure from the start. LFC attempted to gain possession but, during a scramble in front of the net, accidentally scored an own goal to give MPU an early advantage.
Riding the momentum, MPU continued its offensive push and was rewarded with five more goals. Antonio Heras opened the scoring in the 4th minute, while Evan Poole completed a hat trick. Caleb Shin added a goal in the 17th minute to give MPU a commanding 6-0 lead.
The second half continued to favor MPU as Tylor Kang found the net in the 22nd minute, while Thomas Flores recorded a hat trick with goals in the 23rd, 25th, and 39th minutes to extend the lead.
Although MP United secured the victory, Mikke John Soriano prevented Latte FC from being shut out, scoring in the 40th minute as LFC fell, 10-1.
In other games
Paire Football Club also celebrated a win, as Haven Cadag’s lone goal in the 25th minute secured a 1-0 victory over Kanoa Football Club 2. Meanwhile, Kanoa Football Club 1 earned a 3-0 win by forfeit over Shirley’s Football Club.
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.
