SAIPAN United and Paire Football Club remain the top contenders in their respective divisions after besting their opponents over the weekend at the NMI Soccer Training Center.
In Division B, Saipan United edged the Bangladesh Football Club 2-1 to collect its 5th win.
It was a match packed with nail-biting action as both teams aimed for control. No one scored in the first half and real action started midway through the second half when any crucial slip-up could cost the game.
After Bangladesh FC failed to close the gaps, Saipan United’s Ichiro Borja delivered and gave his team a 1-0 advantage.
Soon, Saipan United was on the attack again, creating another shot opportunity for Borja who sank his second goal at the 60th minute mark to extend his team’s lead, 2-0.
Saipan United then focused on defense but the Bangladeshis made sure that if they could not prevent defeat, they would at least go down fighting. At the 81st minute mark, just before Saipan United could claim victory, Mohammad Ariful Islam provided his team with its lone goal.
Saipan United won, 2-1.
Paire vs Kanoa
Against Kanoa Football Club, Paire Football Club held its ground to eke out a 3-2 victory.
Paire managed to set the tone early with Peter Loken scoring at the 10th minute mark for a 1-0 lead.
But after the halftime break, Kanoa mustered enough strength to fight back with Raphael Zapanta sinking a shot at the 50th minute mark to even the score, 1-1.
Fortunately for the Paire players, their calm and collected approach allowed them to regain the upperhand with Eric Barajas scoring not just once but twice to give his team the lead, 3-1.
But the Kanoa players still gave it their all and was awarded with another goal courtesy of Ruselle Zapanta at the 79th minute mark. With little time left, however, Kanoa could not prevent a 3-2 Paire victory.
Saipan United’s Kenneth Guo battles for possession against a Bangladesh Football Club player in a Division B game of the Men’s M-League Spring 2021 at the NMI Soccer Training Center on Sunday.
Contributed photo
Paire Football Club’s Travis Spaeth is about to pass the ball as a defender closes in during a Division A game of the Men’s M-League Spring 2021, Sunday, at the NMI Soccer Training Center.
Contributed photo
