THE NMI Women’s National Soccer Team kicked off the NMIFA Women’s U21 Three Nations Cup 2024 by edging the Mongolian Women’s National Team, 1-0, at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville Tuesday night.
It was an intense match from start to finish.
The NMI played aggressively throughout the first half and controlled most of the possessions by utilizing lob passes to cover long distances and create several shot opportunities.
For their part, Mongolia used defense to build momentum as they constantly disrupted the NMI’s rhythm with interceptions,
However, neither team could take a shot in the first half of the match.
In the second half, NMI decided to pick up the pace with more pressure. The midfield trio of Dianne Pabalo, Christine Atalig and Kristelle Itaas orchestrated beautiful plays, pushing forward with determination. Their tactics gradually produced results as Mongolia started to fall apart defensively.
The NMI’s persistence was finally rewarded at the 66th minute mark as Jannah Casarino capitalized off a loose possession with a quick shot that found the back of the net.
The NMI then focused on defense as substitutes Sophia Quintos and Aubrey Castro provided fresh legs to help ensure that their team maintain the lead. Mongolia tried their best to equalize, but had to settle for defeat, 0-1.
The NMI’s Jannah Casarino controls the possession as a Mongolia defender closes in during the opening match of the NMIFA Women’s U21 Three Nations Cup 2024 at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville Tuesday night.
Mongolia’s Odon-Erdene Unenbat reaches to save the possession during the opening match of the NMIFA Women’s U21 Three Nations Cup 2024 at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville Tuesday night.
Photos taken prior to the opening match between the NMI Women’s National Team and the Mongolia Women’s National Team in the U21 Three Nations Cup at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville Tuesday night.
