By James Sablan
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Variety News Staff
THE Marianas Soccer League 1 Spring 2026 season kicked off Sunday with two tightly contested matches at the NMI Soccer Training Center, highlighted by Kanoa Football Club’s 3-2 victory over MP United Football Club and a dramatic 2-2 draw in the second fixture.
In a tactical chess match, Kanoa FC outlasted MP United, 3-2.
Kanoa set the tone early, pressing forward and gradually breaking down MPU’s defense. The breakthrough came in the 13th minute when Paul Lizama found space inside the box and delivered the opening goal.
MPU responded with urgency, pushing deep into Kanoa territory and battling for control in midfield. Their persistence paid off in the 28th minute as Akira Kadokura created enough separation to slot home the equalizer, leveling the match at 1-1.
Momentum shifted again before halftime. Tyler Wess Omelau restored Kanoa’s advantage in the 36th minute, giving his side a 2-1 lead heading into the break.
The intensity carried into the second half, with both teams carefully selecting their attacking opportunities. Kanoa capitalized on a sudden turnover, and Lizama struck again to complete his brace and extend the lead to 3-1.
MPU refused to back down. Kadokura netted his second goal in the 61st minute to cut the deficit to one and ignite hopes of a comeback. Despite sustained pressure in the closing minutes, Kanoa’s defensive line held firm to secure the narrow 3-2 victory and claim three points to open the season.
Draw
In the other match, Latte Football Club salvaged a 2-2 draw against the Men’s Developmental Team in dramatic fashion.
MDT struck first in the 35th minute through Xavier Camacho. Latte equalized in the 71st minute when Kian Estolas unleashed a long-range effort that found the back of the net to make it 1-1.
Just five minutes later, Yu Ma restored MDT’s advantage, putting Latte on the brink of defeat. However, deep into stoppage time, Julio Monserrat delivered a clutch equalizer to rescue a point and force a 2-2 draw.
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.
