RINTARO Miyawaki, a former MP United midfielder on Saipan, will soon see action in NCAA Division I soccer once he joins the Merrimack College team.
Besides Miyawaki, the other former MP United footballers now playing in U.S. college soccer are Lucas Knecht, Bo Barry, Enrico del Rosario, Scott Kim, John Taisacan, Sunjoon Tenorio, Dai Podziewski, and Joshua Abragan.
When asked why he chose Merrimack College, which is located in North Andover, Massachusetts, Rintaro said, “It seems to be a really good fit for me.”
The 17-year-old multi-sport athlete is currently a senior at Eastchester High School in Westchester County, New York.
He said he looks forward to playing with and against the top soccer players in NCAA Division I.
“The competition here is great as there are so many players,” Miyawaki said. “My biggest strength will be my love for the game as that is what has kept me going.”
It was in the CNMI where he became the soccer player he is today, he added. “Playing in the CNMI helped me find my passion and the Marianas will always be my home.”
Last year, Miyawaki made it to the 2021 Lohud Elite 11 for scoring a total of nine goals and four assists for the Westchester Flames which is based in New Rochelle, New York. The team plays in USL League Two, “the fourth tier of the American soccer pyramid.”
Rintaro Miyawaki of Eastchester High School celebrates after a goal during a soccer match in this file photo.
