By James Sablan
james@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
GARAPAN Elementary School 1 reigned supreme in the final against Koblerville Elementary School 1, winning 3-1 to secure the boys middle school division title of the PSS-NMIFA Interscholastic Soccer League SY25-26.
The championship match was held late Tuesday afternoon at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville.
The opening half was evenly contested, with both sides trading possessions in a scoreless back-and-forth. After 10 minutes, KoES 1 began applying pressure with several attempts on goal, gradually wearing down GES 1. While Garapan managed a few counterattacks of their own, they were forced to focus on defense for most of the exchanges.
In the final minute of the half, KoES 1’s persistence finally paid off. Deep in Garapan territory, a scramble for possession saw Liam Palacios break free and fire a shot into the back of the net, giving his side a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Rain began to fall at the start of the second half, but the weather seemed to favor Garapan as they came out revitalized. Just two minutes in, they capitalized on early pressure when Adrian Mercado hammered home the equalizer in the 22nd minute, leveling the match at 1-1.
Both teams continued trading chances in a thrilling seesaw battle. However, in the 28th minute, GES 1’s defense held firm and turned a key stop into transition offense, with Keanu Pangelinan finishing the play to give his team the lead, 2-1.
KoES 1 mounted several dangerous attempts over the next 12 minutes, but GES 1 goalkeeper Lael Conlu stood tall, denying every effort. With momentum now fully on their side, Garapan sealed the victory when Mercado scored his second goal in the 38th minute, putting the match out of reach at 3-1.
Along with securing the championship title, Mercado was awarded Most Valuable Player for his standout performances throughout both the season and the final. He also shared the Golden Boot award with KoES 1’s Liam Palacios and Mount Carmel School’s Thomas Flores, each finishing the season with 21 goals.
In the battle for third place, William S. Reyes Elementary School 1 edged Saipan International School in a dramatic overtime shootout, (2)1-1(0).
WSR 1 drew first blood in the 23rd minute of the second half, but SIS equalized at the 35th, forcing the game into penalties.
While SIS failed to convert any of their attempts, WSR 1’s Raynold Saka and Cayden Castro delivered the clinching goals to secure third place on the podium
