23 called up to Masakåda for return to AFC Women’s Asian Cup

[October 12, 2021 – Harmon, Guam] The Masakåda, Guam Women’s National Team, will make its return to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup tournament with 23 players for the Group D qualification round beginning Oct. 18 in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.

Head Coach Ross Awa announced his final traveling roster, which includes 14 Guam-based players, including Captain Ariya Cruz and Vice Captain Colleen Naden.

“I am fortunate to have worked with all teams in our Women’s National Program in recent years and this provided me with a solid foundation of which players to select for the final roster,” Awa said. “In addition to players who’ve played at the senior level previously, I have brought in younger players who have experience competing at the youth level for Guam. We have a strong selection and I truly believe the potential for this team is incredibly high.

“The team’s objective for the upcoming qualifying matches is to win and advance to the final round. The players have been working hard and are ready to display a more attacking style of football to score goals, and I am confident that they are able to do it,” Awa added.

Guam’s final roster of 23 called up for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ Qualifiers feature goalkeepers Kiarra Hutcherson, Tristyana Santos, and Gabrielle Moser and field players Elisha Benavente, Ariya Cruz, Hannah Cruz, Caylani Estoy, Emma Foley, Olivia Haddock, Asia Sage Jackson, Spenser Jaye, Yae Kawauchi, Sabrina Kenney, Samantha Kenney, Brianne Leon Guerrero, Jenna Merrill, Phoebe Minato, Colleen Naden, Inyssa Perez, Richelle Ragadio, Shyann Roberto, Franshay Shippey, and April Talledo.

Guam was drawn into Group D of the tournament and will kick off its campaign on Oct. 18 against United Arab Emirates. The team next plays against Myanmar on Oct. 21, before finishing out the qualification round against Lebanon on Oct. 24. All of Guam’s matches will kick off at 5 p.m. Bishkek time (9 p.m. Guam time) on their respective dates at the Dolon Omurzakov Stadium in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.

“I am looking forward to our team’s overall performance in each match,” Awa said. “Our opposition will make it challenging as every team will be looking to get points to advance to the final round. The Masakåda are ready to compete and showcase an exciting style of football.”

Awa will be assisted by Coaches Chyna Ramirez and Keleko Fejeran. Joining the traveling staff are Manager Thomas Castro, Physiotherapist Dr. Kelsey Kuehn, Athletic Trainer Margaret Ha, and Media Officer Jill Espiritu. Guam Football Association Executive Committee member Duane Pahl also will be traveling as the Head of Delegation.

Guam last competed in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup tournament in June 2003. Of the players called up to the team, five were not yet born the last time Guam competed in an AFC women’s tournament.