By James Sablan
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE NMI Women’s National Soccer Team concluded its run in the Women’s EAFF E-1 Football Championship Preliminary Competition 2026 on Sunday afternoon, suffering a 13–0 defeat to regional powerhouse Chinese Taipei at the GFA National Training Center.
On Friday, Chinese Taipei defeated the NMI side 5–0 in the first meeting of the Group B double-header.
In the rematch, the NMI squad faced a relentless offensive attack from a heavily favored Chinese Taipei side that is competing for a World Cup berth.
Despite the lopsided scoreline, the NMI team competed with determination from the opening whistle to the final minute.
The team began the day early, preparing for kickoff under a hot afternoon sun. While the conditions added to the challenge, NMI entered the match focused and determined to compete.
From the outset, Chinese Taipei applied a suffocating high press, using speed and technical ability to break through the NMI backline early and often. Still, throughout the 90 minutes, the NMI players worked tirelessly in the heat, showing resilience against a dominant opponent.
There were several positive moments for NMI. When given space, the team connected on passing sequences that led to brief attacking opportunities. Defensively, the backline produced several blocks and key interventions to limit further damage, while the midfield worked to regain possession under constant pressure.
Although the result did not go in their favor, NMIFA coaching staff said the experience against top-level competition will benefit the program moving forward.
They added that the team leaves Guam with increased motivation to improve after testing its young roster against one of the strongest squads in the East Asian Football Federation.
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.
