THE NMI pulled a huge upset against Guam after a second-half comeback in their NMIFA U21 Women’s Three Nations Cup 2024 match at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville on Thursday.
Kaithlyn Chavez was the star of the show for the NMI, which was down 0-2, when she scored at the 63rd mark. Jannah Casarino also found the net for the NMI at the 84th minute mark to equalize the score. Three minutes later, Chavez delivered another goal en route to victory for the home team, 3-2.
NMI vs Mongolia
On Friday, the NMI defeated the Mongolian Women’s National Team again in the double round-robin tournament, 2-0.
The NMI earlier bested Mongolia 1-0.
In their second game, the NMI and Mongolia played aggressively. However, the momentum shifted toward the NMI’s favor as their defensive efforts led them to enemy territory. After forcing the ball out of bounds, the NMI were able to reap the rewards from an inbound play with Chavez connecting a corner kick using her left foot to get over Mongolia’s goalkeeper and find the back of the net at the 13th minute mark to give the NMI the lead, 1-0.
Mongolia tried to equalize throughout the remaining minutes of the first half but barely created uncontested shot opportunities.
In the second half, the NMI continued to dominate. Their efforts were rewarded with a second goal by wing forward Tamia Lei Derla Killeman-Hix at the 50th minute mark, doubling their lead, 2-0.
Mongolia made several substitutions, but the NMI’s defense, led by goalkeeper Toremy Baek, remained resolute, keeping a clean sheet for the full 90 minutes.
Guam vs Mongolia
The Guam Women’s National Team, which outlasted Mongolia, 2-1, on Wednesday blanked the East Asian nation in their second match, 2-0, on Saturday.
After a scoreless first half, Guam took over the second half. Forward Cindy Maestrecampo broke through at the 55th minute mark to sink the first goal while midfielder Olivia Haddock followed a minute later with the second goal to seal the deal.
As of Saturday, the NMI led the tournament with nine points followed by Guam with six, and Mongolia with 0.
The NMI’s Kaithlyn Chavez sets up the play against Guam during a match in the NMIFA U21 Women’s Three Nations Cup 2024 at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville on Thursday.
The NMI’s Dianne Pablo attempts a lead pass during their second match against Mongolia in the NMIFA U21 Women’s Three Nations Cup 2024 at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville on Friday.
The NMI’s Tamia Kileleman-Hix winds up for the shot during their second match against Mongolia in the NMIFA U21 Women’s Three Nations Cup 2024 at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville on Friday.
