By James Sablan
james@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
IN a defensive masterclass, Marianas High School solidified their reign as four-time champions in the boys high school division of the PSS-NMIFA Interscholastic Soccer League SY25-26, edging out Saipan Southern High School 1–0 in Thursday’s final at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville.
The match was a grueling battle of attrition, with both teams playing conservatively and leaving little room for error. SSHS, led by Jerome Mettao and Heman Addy, remained compact and looked to pull off an upset, while MHS relied heavily on their offense, which had been prolific all season with Tyler Omelau and Paul Lizama at the forefront.
Neither team could gain an edge, and the stalemate persisted through the first half and much of the second. In stoppage time, MHS’s relentless pressure finally broke through SSHS’s defense, but Paul Lizama’s goal in the 73rd minute was waved off for offside, keeping the score at 0-0.
MHS eventually found a breakthrough when SSHS committed a crucial foul near the penalty area. Tyler Omelau converted the resulting free kick in the 83rd minute, sending Dolphins supporters into a frenzy and securing a 1-0 victory for the fourth consecutive year.
Omelau’s game-winning goal earned him the Finals MVP award, while teammate Paul Lizama claimed the Golden Boot with a total of 14 goals scored.
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.
