By James Sablan
james@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
KAGMAN High School completed the regular season of the PSS-NMIFA Interscholastic Soccer League SY25-26 as the boys high school division’s No. 2 seed after securing its third win with a 5-3 victory over Saipan International School V in last week’s game at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville.
The match was a tactical battle from the opening whistle, with both teams fighting for midfield dominance. However, after 20 minutes of back-and-forth play, KHS’ transition game proved to be the difference-maker. Kagman capitalized on quick breaks to outpace the SIS defense and broke through in the 22nd minute when Maximus Taitano found the back of the net to give KHS a 1-0 lead.
The opening goal ignited KHS’ attack, as the momentum spread throughout the squad. Continuing to apply pressure through wide play, KHS stretched the SIS backline and was quickly rewarded. Within the next two minutes, Taitano struck again for his second goal of the night, followed by Justo Quitugua’s finish in the 26th minute to give KHS a commanding 3-0 advantage.
Despite KHS’ dominant start, SIS V did not go down quietly. Showing resilience in the second half, SIS V mounted a comeback by scoring three consecutive goals through Jebro Leon, Taiga Namai-Scoggins, and Eunchan Ko in the 45th, 50th, and 63rd minutes, respectively, pulling level at 3-3.
SIS V’s momentum was short-lived, however, as KHS remained composed and gradually regained control of the tempo with crisp ball movement and accurate passing. Quitugua delivered once again in the 67th minute, finishing a well-worked opportunity to restore KHS’ lead.
KHS added insurance in extra time as Kallan Seidler joined the scoring column, netting a dagger in the second minute of stoppage time to seal the 5-3 victory.
Dominant
Also earning a win on the day was Saipan Southern High School V, which posted a dominant 9-0 victory over Mount Carmel School.
The first half was a fairly even contest, with SSHS V holding a two-goal edge at the break. The second half told a different story, as Saipan Southern took over with seven unanswered goals.
Jerome Mettao and Heman Addy led the attack with two goals apiece.
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.
