ISLANDERS TOO MUCH FOR TUNINOS 5-1

By Aloha Alisasis

The John F. Kennedy Islanders took home another anticipated win over the Southern Tuninos 5-1 Monday night at the Guam High School Soccer Field. Both teams have went against each other in the ISA Boys Soccer League Championship match for the last three years with the Islanders have coming away the those championships.

JFK came into the game #4 in the league at 3-1-1 while Southern was #2 at 4-1-0, only trailing the front-running St. John’s Knights (5-0-0).

JFK captain CJ Sablan scored two goals while goalkeeper Renz Reburiano restricted many attempted goals made by the Tuninos.

FIRST HALF

The Islanders brought home an ISA championship the past four seasons and with all the schools back to all being combined, it’s still possible that they may be able to take another trophy this year with the rate they’re playing at.

Although the Tuninos kept JFK on the defense for majority of the match, this didn’t put much pressure on the Islanders, as Sablan and his teammates still managed to strike many goals throughout the game.

“Going into today’s game I knew we were confident coming off our last game with a tie against FD, we just got to keep the intensity high and we could take it,” JFK’s Sablan said.

While Southern had the possession for most of the first half, goalkeeper Reburiano prevented them from securing a goal by intercepting many of their shots.

“I just want to say that we did a job well done. There were a few mistakes but we can get those fixed throughout the season,” Reburiano said.

The Southern defensive line stood firm, blocking any advances from the Islanders and making sure nothing got through. JFK broke the deadlock, as David San Agustin received a well-timed pass from the sideline and skillfully fired the ball past the Southern goalkeeper Sinahi San Nicolas, giving the Islanders a 1-0 lead.

After conceding, the Tuninos defense tightened up. Led by Cody Pangelinan, Zaiah Santos, Jaylon Sanchez, and Noah Taitague, not allowing any further goals.

Meanwhile, the Islanders maintained their defensive discipline, stifling the Southern attacks and keeping the score to 1-0. Both teams executed their strategies well while the Islanders used quick, clever passes to advance the ball, the Tuninos tried to wear down their opponents with sustained pressure, looking for an opportunity to tie up the game.

As the first half neared its end, JFK’s center midfielder and captain Sablan remained calm under pressure. He expertly locked onto his target and calmly slotted the ball past San Nicolas, doubling the lead to 2-0.

Reburiano made a crucial save off a Southern corner kick just moments before halftime, keeping the Tuninos from narrowing the gap.

SECOND HALF

With the Islanders leading 2-0, Southern was determined to close the gap and find their first goal.

The game was now a battle of wills, with both teams playing intensely. Reburiano was on high alert as Southern’s Braden Chaco fired a powerful shot towards the goal, Reburiano was ready, diving to make a crucial save. His determination kept the Islanders lead intact as he refused to let anything past him.

After a series of hard-fought exchanges, JFK struck again as Alex Jorlang shot a well-placed corner kick, curving the ball perfectly into the net to extend the lead to 3-0. The Islanders were in control, and after the restart, Sablan took charge, sending a powerful strike from 35 yards out to put the Islanders up comfortably 4-0.

Back-to-back goals from the Islanders had Southern reeling, but they weren’t ready to give up. As team captain Pangelinan sprinted up the field driving the ball to the Islanders half, Ethan Rioja eventually scored, cutting the lead to 4-1.

The Islanders quickly responded as Landen Cruz rose to meet a corner kick with a leaping kick that powered the ball into the net, gaining the Islanders advantage at 5-1.

From that point on, the Islanders defense, led by their sharp goalkeeper Reburiano, held firm.

As the final minted ticked down, both Reburiano and San Nicolas were as vigilant as ever, ensuring no further goals were scored. And with that, the game ended with the Islanders securing a 5-1 victory, having held their lead and weathered the Tuninos late push.

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