By James Sablan
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
AS the 2026 President’s Cup Futsal Tournament continues, the bracket is heating up with Latte Football Club and Paire Football Club advancing deeper into the U17 coed division rounds on Wednesday at the TSL Sports Complex and Saipan Soccer School.
Latte FC showcased dominant performances as two of its teams triumphed over their respective opponents.
Latte FC 1 made a strong statement in the U17 coed division, delivering a well-balanced performance to defeat Paire FC 2, 2-0.
The match was dictated by Latte FC 1’s ability to control the tempo. Jerome Mejia was the standout, finding his rhythm in the first half and scoring both goals. Paire FC 2 fought valiantly to generate offense, but Latte’s rigid defensive shape shut down counterattacking opportunities, securing a comfortable shutout win.
In what was arguably the most chaotic and entertaining match of the afternoon, Latte FC 2 outlasted Paire FC 1, 3-2.
The game was a breathless back-and-forth affair. Paire FC 1 struck first with first-half goals from Yu Ma and Rocky Reyes. However, Latte FC 2 responded with an aggressive attacking surge. Daniel Li sparked the comeback, while Clyde Manangan and James Harvey Quindoza each found the net to give Latte FC 2 the edge.
The closing minutes turned frantic as Paire pushed for an equalizer, but Latte FC 2 held firm to secure the narrow 3-2 victory.
Despite the loss, Paire FC 1 bounced back with a 3-1 win over Matansa Football Club.
Paire FC 1 relied on sharp technical execution to break down Matansa’s defense. Yu Ma again led the way with a two-goal performance in the first half, while Ina Reyes added a late insurance goal. Matansa FC showed heart, responding with a first-half strike from Kapua Hocog, but ultimately ran out of time.
The U14 coed division was just as competitive.
In an intense match, Shirley’s Football Club reigned supreme in an overtime shootout against MP United Football Club, 2-2 (Shirley’s won 5-3 on penalties).
Huican Jin scored both goals for Shirley’s FC, while Xavier Camacho matched with two goals for MP United, sending the match into a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in regulation.
Shirley’s FC held its nerve in the shootout, converting all three attempts while MP United managed only one, sealing the win for Shirley’s.
From commanding clean sheets to nail-biting penalty shootouts, action unfolded across the pitch.
MP United, however, earned redemption in a rematch against Shirley’s FC, winning 3-1.
MP United’s offense clicked into gear as chemistry developed throughout the match. Mateo Angeles opened the scoring, followed quickly by a strike from Xavier Camacho. Bruce Song added a third first-half goal to give MP United a commanding lead.
Shirley’s FC pulled one back through Marvic James Jayaluyas, but MP United’s defense held firm in the second half to preserve the 3-1 victory.
Joining the winners’ list was Paire FC, which edged Latte FC 2, 1-0, behind a lone goal from Lucy Thomsen.
The tournament continues through Friday as teams fight for positioning ahead of the knockout stages.
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.
