The MP United Football Club players pose with the U12 boys division championship trophy after defeating Kanoa FC in an overtime shootout during the finale of the TakeCare Youth Soccer League Spring 2024 at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville on Saturday.
MP United Football Club won the U12 boys division championship of the TakeCare Youth Soccer League Spring 2024 by edging Kanoa Football Club 1 in a nail-biting overtime shootout, (3)1-1(2), at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville on Saturday.
Kanoa FC’s hunger for the title was evident as they went for the aggressive approach as soon as the match started.
The early pressure was very effective as KNFC quickly overwhelmed MPU and made their way within scoring distance. MPU tried to stand their ground but in the midst of the scuffle, KNFC’s Aldric Antonio managed to break free and deliver the finishing blow to gain the lead just four minutes in, 1-0.
MPU tried to equalize throughout the remainder of the opening half but failed due to KNFC’s persistence on both ends of the field.
But MPU’s efforts were finally rewarded in the second half. After several attempts, they were able to break through KNFC’s line of defense and set up Beau Bauer for the shot. He found the back of the net at the 32nd minute mark to even the score, 1-1.
Although there was more than enough time left, neither team was able to connect the game-winning goal, forcing the game into an overtime shootout via penalty kicks.
The one-on-one matchup was a display of solid defense on the part of the goalies of both teams as they were seemingly built like brick walls with barely any shot getting past them.
Eventually, however, MPU’s Quido Jambor and Mateo Angeles managed to slip separate goals through while only John Binghit connected a goal for KNFC.
