TanHoldings edge Kanoa in women's soccer

TANHOLDINGS Football Club have taken the lead in the premier division team standings of the Dove Women's League Fall Tournament after bagging their second win by outlasting the Kanoa Football Club 7-6 Wednesday at the NMI Soccer Training Center. Although the season has just begun, the match between THFC and Kanoa was played like a championship game as neither team wanted to let the lead slip out of their hands. The first 20 minutes were filled with back-and-forth action along with several shot attempts. At the 24th minute mark, THFC finally broke through the Kanoa line of defense and set up Britany Wally for the finish. However, Kanoa kept their heads up and retaliated two minutes later with Irish Pagarao breaking the silence to tie the score 1-1. THFC maintained efficiency using teamwork to open a variety of shot opportunities and were rewarded with three consecutive goals delivered by Jannah Casarino who scored twice and Allyssa Angeles. But Kanoa fought back and was led by Pagarao whose speed and handles were unmatched as she sliced in two straight goals that were followed by team-mate Khristelle Itaas' solo goal to equalize the score, 4-4. In the second half, Kanoa continued to apply pressure allowing Pagarao to find the back of the net. THFC, however, quickly caught up thanks to Wally who evened the score, 5-5. In the end it was better teamwork that prevailed as THFC’s Kaithlyn Chavez stepped up late in the game to score twice. THFC then held down Kanoa to just one goal to run away with a 7-6 win. Shirley's vs Paire Shirley's Football Club joined the winner's circle after collecting their first by thumping the Paire Football Club 4-1. Shirley’s display of unity was the key to their victory as they kept their scoring options open. After five minutes of play, Shirley’s Melody Johnson connected the first goal of the game. Paire tightened up their defense but failed to stand their ground as Shirley’s eventually broke through with Fiona Bucalig sinking her team’s second goal before the end of the first half. In the second half, Shirley’s delivered two more goals. Jaraldine Castillo joined the fun at the 32nd minute mark while Bucalig earned her second goal of the day three minutes later to widen the deficit, 4-0. Paire could not prevent the inevitable, but they went down fighting as they finally scored a goal at the 52nd minute mark courtesy of Mat Ito before bowing down to Shirley’s, 4-1. Next Wednesday, at 6:30 p.m., Kanoa will face Paire while THFC will square off with Shirley’s.

Published by Marianas Variety - Oct 22, 2021