The Northern Mariana Islands Football Association hosted a thrilling exhibition game on Monday that ended in a draw between the Women’s All-Star Team and the National Women’s U18 Team at the NMI Soccer Training Center.
Both teams have the best players on the island, and the result was a tough game.
After 10 minutes of back-and-forth, the WNT U18s began to take control of the match tempo. In the 14th minute they drew first blood with speed playing a huge factor in their onslaught which created an opening for Jannah Casarino who found the back of the net and gave her side a 1-0 lead.
The U18 team chemistry continued to shine as Casarino scored his second goal four minutes later to make it 2-0.
The All-Star Women finally broke their silence when Jhaza Mirano scored in the 20th minute to close the gap, 1-2.
In the second set, the Women’s All-Star launched another offense with precision passing and well-timed pushing. Several openings were created allowing All-Star Britany Wally to score in the 33rd minute to tie the game, 2-2.
The battle continued as U18s Allyssya Angeles regained the lead, but All-Star Alexa Vergara responded with her own goal in the 54th minute to tie the game again, 3-3.
In the third and final set, both teams gave their all at both ends of the court.
In the 71st minute, the Women’s All-Star appeared to have the game in the bag after Shawna Brennfleck scored her opening goal which also gave her team their first lead of the night.
But Tamia Hix was able to save the WNT U18 from defeat by scoring the game-saving goal in the 83rd minute, ending the game in a 4-4 draw.
