Soccer

U15 SOCCER: GUAM BLANKS MACAU 2-0

Now 2-0 in Group B of EAFF tourney in China

by
GSPN
August 22, 2024

PRESS RELEASE – The Guam U15 Women’s National Team was rewarded with two goals against Macau-China with improvements in the execution of team tactics and communication on the pitch on Day 3 of the EAFF U15 Women’s Championship in Dalian, China PR.

Guam is now 2-0 in Group B, first defeating Mongolia 1-0 on opening day and adding a 2-0 victory over Macau-China Tuesday.

“Staying connected as a whole team, having composure on and off the ball, and lastly communicating clearly with each other – doing this, we were able to work together to have a calm mindset and perform to the best of our ability,” said captain and goalkeeper Ahela’aoku’upu’uwai Kaae. “It’s been a great experience as well as having many learning opportunities. We are all grateful for this opportunity. We are having fun and we are grateful too for all the love and support back home.”

Guam’s starting 11 players pose for a group photo ahead of its match against Macau-China in a Day 3 match of the EAFF U15 Women’s Championship 2024 in Dalian, China PR Tuesday. Guam won 2-0. In the photo are front row from left to right: Allyana Li, Elyse Concepcion, Khae’ly Olpindo, Anaia Malaca, and Aliana Meno. In the back row from left to right are Emme Ettleman, Hayden Wilson, Ahela’aoku’upu’uwai Kaae, Gabriella Flores, Kirida Mendiola, and Iliana Figueroa. Courtesy photo by EAFF

Gabriella Flores struck first for Guam in the 23^rd minute just inside the penalty box. With eight Macau-China defenders scrambling to clear the ball, Flores found enough space to launch a right-footed shot that escaped goalkeeper Weng Lam Chong’s outstretched arms and tucked into the upper left corner of the goal.

Iliana Figueroa doubled Guam’s advantage in the 61^st minute, taking Emme Ettleman’s corner kick a few steps closer to the goal and sending her shot just out of Weng’s reach.

Kaae earned the clean sheet in Guam’s shutout victory.

“The team has gone through consistent match analysis on Macau-China and heavy reflection on our previous match,” said Chyna Ramirez, Guam U15 Women’s National Team Head Coach. “As a collective they evaluated their performance in their strengths and weaknesses to improve together as a team. It was a collective effort of each talented individual to come out with this win.

“The EAFF and the Dalian Organizing Committee has put together a professional environment for all these teams and players to compete. Having our players watch teams like Japan, Korea, and China PR motivated them to see where they can also be one day,” Ramirez added.

Guam had three full days between its first two matches and will next play Aug. 23 at 10 a.m. local time (12 noon Guam time) against the Northern Mariana Islands in a familiar island derby. Guam’s final match will be against Hong Kong, China at 4 p.m. local time (6 p.m. Guam time) on Aug. 25.

All full matches are available to watch via the EAFF Web site, https://eaff.com