Old B Bank players pose with the championship trophy of the Marianas Soccer League 2 after defeating the Paire Football Club at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville on Saturday
Old B Bank’s John Canape poses with the Golden Boot Award, which he received for scoring nine goals throughout the Marianas Soccer League 2 season.
OLD B Bank clinched the Marianas Soccer League 2 championship by edging Paire Football Club, 1-0, at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville on Saturday.
It was a nail-biting finale between the no.1 and no.2 seeds as they played as equals throughout the match.
PFC went for the methodical approach and worked as one to move the possession forward and create a handful of scoring opportunities in the first half. On the other end, Old B Bank played to their strength with quick transition plays and endless pressure on the defensive end to control the pace.
After a lengthy back-and-forth action, Old B Bank gradually controlled the possession and, at the 29th minute mark, managed to break down PFC’s line of defense through constant pressure to create an opening where Rex De Jose capitalized with a quick shot that found the back of the net to give his team the lead, 1-0.
Although Old B Bank had the upper hand, they still had to stay on their toes as there was more than enough time for PFC to even the score. Old B Bank focused on protecting their end of the field, successfully denying every attempt by PFC to equalize.
Old B Bank ended the season with the best record of six wins, no draws, and only one loss.
John Canape of Old B Bank received the Golden Boot Award for leading the season with nine goals.
Third place
In the battle for third place, Hana Football Club emerged victorious against Matansa Football Club, 3-2.
Throughout most of the opening half, MFC was in control with Jacob Arkoh and Nazzir Altamirano contributing a goal each at the 20th and 29th minute marks, respectively.
As frustration grew, Hana FC committed a handful of violations and was handed yellow and red cards. However, as time passed, Hana’s players were able to calm down and work their way back into contention, with Edwin Kim scoring the first goal in the 36th minute to reduce the deficit to 1-2.
Hana FC carried the momentum over to the second half and turned the tides as they controlled the pace to create scoring opportunities.
Their efforts were rewarded when Kim scored again in the 52nd minute while teammate Parker Garrett sealed the win with a goal in the 78th minute, leading Hana to a 3-2 victory over MFC.
