Old B Bank cashes in on MSL 2 finals

Old B Bank cashed in on their dominance of the Marianas Soccer League 2 with a championship win over Paire FC, 1-0, last Sunday at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville.

Old B Bank had the best record in the regular season with six wins, no draws, and one loss and found themselves in the finals against No. 2 Paire.

It was a cliff-hanger showdown that held everyone captivated from start to finish as both teams put everything on the line for the coveted title. A lot of back-and-forth action from the opening whistle ensued, but their defenses held steadfast.

Both teams had opportunities at the net, but could not convert until the 29th minute when Old B Bank’s Rex De Jose let one fly to put them up, 1-0.

Old B Bank managed to hold on to their narrow lead as time ran out, and when the final whistle blew, they let out a sigh of relief as they redeemed themselves after falling short last season.

The Golden Boot award was given to John Canape with nine goals in the season.

He said of the season and their win, the “season was very good for myself and my team. It's good to win [the] championship because we lost our semifinal game last season to Paire FC, but we came out on top this season which was a perfect ending.”

He added, “thanks to the Old B Bank team for always giving their 100% in every game and thanks to all the teams in the MSL 2 who made this league very intense. That's pretty much it. On [to] the next season again.”

The players of Old B Bank included Naoki Oura, Andrei Ferrer, Raymond Zapanta, Jether Yobech, Kosuke Sato, Lin Xiao Feng, Richard Waldo Jr., Aliilua Peteru, Jershwin Angeles, John Canape, Kevin McCale, Henok Bezabih, Rex De Jose, Trevor Repp, Ruselle Zapanta, Norman Camacho, Bryant Dy, James Garcia, Neil Gebhard, Daniel Matsunaga, Leif Pagtalunan, Maynard Reyes, and Suguru Takahashi.

In the battle for third place, Hana FC ruled over Matansa, 3-2.

Published by Saipan Tribune - Dec 10, 2024