3-peat for MHS in boys soccer

Marianas High School Dolphins secured their third championship in a row as they drowned out Saipan Southern High School Manta Rays, 4-1, in the finals of the NMIFA-PSS Interscholastic Boys High School Soccer League 2024-2025 last Thursday at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville.

It was an intense matchup but SSHS was in hot water from the get-go as they scored their own goal just seven minutes in to put MHS up, 1-0. This blunder set the tone for the game as MHS took advantage of the free pass.

MHS’ Paul Lizama then went on a tear, racing through the pitch in an effort to extend his team’s lead. Their chemistry seamlessly tied their gameplay together, making them unmatched in ball-handling. SSHS struggled to stop them from advancing into their territory and as a result, Lizama found an opening and scored in the 27th minute, making it 2-0.

Lizama was then in prime position once again and quickly made it 3-0 just four minutes later. SSHS’ defenses crumbled from there as MHS retained possession for most of the second half. Lizama then completed his hat-trick in the 47th for a huge 4-0 lead.

The Manta Rays, led by Monico Claridades, regrouped and created several close chances at the Dolphins’ net, but none were successful. The second half unfolded quietly, as both teams engaged in a fiercely competitive, fight-to-the-finish final, displaying unwavering focus and determination. But, only as the clock wound down to its final seconds did Claridades manage to score their lone goal during the 70+1 minute of extra time, resulting in a 4-1 final.

Third place was Saipan International School after they overpowered Kagman High School, 13-1.

Lizama’s display of exceptional skill on the pitch and unmatched energy led him to win the MVP award. He also won the Golden Boot Award as he scored the most goals of the season with 21.

With Lizama on the team were Zhi Xiang Lin, Chanseo Yeo, Tyler Omelau, Takeru Jim, Edward Arriola III, Prince Espiritu, Taher Shakir, Christian Negara, Kristoffer Pascual, Terrel Kileleman-Hix, Chanwoong Yeom, Yutaka Kadokura, Jack Raho, John Quidato, Bennet Haro, Bennetton Haro, and Rooney Gil.

Lizama said of winning both the MVP and the Golden Boot, “I felt good and I think I saw it coming because I’ve been putting hard work into this. My mindset was just to keep scoring, play better, be a good teammate for my team, and help the team play better—encourage them, not discourage them.”

Regarding the championship win, he said it felt good for both him and the team. “They were ready for today’s championship. They were excited.” Speaking about their finals against SSHS, he explained that he and his team—composed of pool players from the national team and various football clubs—did not rely on a specific strategy. “We didn’t really have a strategy; we just played from the heart and did what we did.”

MHS head coach Don Cabrera noted that the key difference this year, compared to the previous two championships, was that he only had two seniors on the team. “The rest of them are still juniors, sophomores, and seniors, so I can still depend on them next year…”

He then thanked the students’ parents for encouraging them, the school’s admin for their support, and the students for doing great and performing when they’re needed to.

This season marked the first time PSS/NMIFA ran the league as 11 versus 11.