Redemption for Kobler in co-ed soccer

It was a hot finals game on a cool Wednesday night as Koblerville Elementary School Umangs 1 redeemed themselves with the title of the 2026-2027 PSS-NMIFA Co-Ed Elementary School Soccer League over rival Garapan Elementary School Mallards, 3-2.

The Umangs had the upper hand from aggressive approaches at the net by Liam Palacios and Zekiel Isaac. Palacios broke the ice just about a minute into the game, for a 1-0 match. Then, with a defensive replacement, Isaac, who was the goalie in the first half, came in as a striker. Just a few minutes later, he scored their second goal in the 34th minute, and their final goal in the 36th.

With time running out, KES thought they could come away with the win unscathed with the score at 3-0, but the Mallards rushed the goal twice. Their first goal was made by Marl Balignasay in the 42nd minute, and before KES and the crowd knew what was happening, Haven Cadag scored another just a minute later to get within one, 2-3. However, KES’ defense tightened and with some close saves at the net, they managed to hold on and win the title.

At the end, Isaac was named the finals Most Valuable Player, while Palacios won the Golden Boot Award with 25 goals throughout the season.

With Palacios and Isaac were Patrick Mansfield, Sean Mina, Wyeth Castro, Deyvon Aldan, Emma Lee, Baylee Lizama, Nia Pebley, and Nichole Pumares.

Cadag and Balignasay were joined by Jaire Camacho, Ashriella Estabillo, Kylie Dia, Ranzley Yumul, Ryan Sonoda, Hazel Cadag, Aizon Suba, Rijuuan Halim, and Ethan Garon.

Third place went to William S. Reyes Elementary School 1 after they beat sister team WSR 2, 4-0.

Head coach Francis Mendiola said of their win, “it’s redemption for four of our players from last year—they said they wanted to work hard for it this year.”

Angie Ruiz, for her part, said, “this year too, a lot of our team, they’re fifth graders, a lot of the boys. They were in the championship game last year and so it came down to a lot of heart. They wanted it this year, they wanted it before they graduate.”

Garapan’s team, Ruiz said, “is always competitive. We were lucky enough to face them in the regular season just to have a look at their squad this year, and even that regular season game was also a nailbiter… they’re talented too.” Mendiola added, “they’re two time defending champions and as you can see in the game, they don’t give up. They were catching up at the end and scoring as much they can.”

Mendiola then thanked their supporters, while Ruiz thanked WSR for sharing their soccer field which they use to practice in the morning before their double session.