Shirley’s claims Dove Women’s Premier Division title

SHIRLEY’S Football Club won the Premier Division championship of the 2022 Dove Women’s League on Wednesday by beating Kanoa Football Club, 4-2, in the title match at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville.

Shirley’s held a perfect record going into the championship match and lived up to the expectation as they quickly established control in the opening half.

After five minutes of back-and-forth action, the team created an opening through constant pressure and crisp passes to set up Jannah Casarino for the kill and a 1-0 lead.

Kanoa tried to withstand Shirley’s onslaught but could only hold their ground for a brief moment before Shirley’s broke through again.

At the 16th minute mark, Shirley’s was deep in enemy territory, but Kanoa did everything to protect their turf. However, Kanoa failed to maintain the possession during the scuffle and accidently scored in their own goal.

But Kanoa managed to recover four minutes later with Audrey Castro at the frontline. She found the back of the net to close the distance, 1-2.

In the second half, the action started to slow down but Shirley’s persistence eventually cracked open the defensive line, allowing Castillo and then Casarino to score again.

Although Kanoa’s Irish Pagarao answered back a minute later they had little time left and had to settle for defeat, 2-4.

For her scoring prowess, Shirley’s Jannah Casarino earned the Golden Boot Award.

Champions, too

The league’s other champions are the Paire Football Club in Intermediate Division B, and the Southern United Football Club in Intermediate Division A with Keisha Deleon Guerrero winning the Golden Boot Award.

NMIFA would want to thank their sponsors, Dove and D&Q, for supporting the women’s program and for their efforts in empowering women in the community. Dove also provided the winners with gift bags of merchandise.

Published by Marianas Variety - Dec 16, 2022