Guam ready for test at NMIFA U21 Three Nations Cup tourney

[July 21, 2024 – Harmon, Guam] The Northern Mariana Islands FA Women’s U21 Three Nations Cup 2024 set to kick off July 23 in Saipan will provide a platform for Guam’s eclectic mix of players selected for Guam’s team to demonstrate their abilities against regional competition.

Head Coach Kimberly Sherman (center, in black top) addresses players and staff at the conclusion of a recent training session at the Guam Football Association National Training Center. Guam will be competing at the NMI FA Women’s U21 Three Nations Cup 2024 tournament, set to kick off July 23 in Saipan.

“Competing in this tournament will provide a valuable opportunity for our players to measure themselves against regional teams that we face in East Asian competitions,” said Kimberly Sherman, Head Coach of Guam’s team. “We have a diverse team comprising of players from four age groups, that includes our U15, U18, U21 and a few from the senior team. This young team will face firm competition, allowing them to test their abilities against older opposition and gain valuable experience playing alongside more experienced teammates from higher divisions. Meanwhile, our senior players will provide guidance and mentorship to the younger players, making this tournament a valuable learning experience for everyone involved.”

“The coaching staff will utilize this tournament as an opportunity to measure the progress of our domestic development programs and identify areas for improvement, ultimately benefiting both the players and the national program,” Sherman added.

Guam will open its bid in the tournament with a July 24 match against Mongolia and next will play against NMI on July 25. Guam plays against Mongolia and NMI a second time on July 27 and July 28, respectively. All matches will kick off at 6 p.m.

Sherman’s final roster features goalkeepers Feah Fejeran and Ahela’aoku’upu’uwai Kaae, and field players Sarah Benavente, Hannah Charfauros, Marlena Connelley, Ariya Cruz, Crista Cruz, Kalle Damian, Aiyanna Duenas, Cadence Guzman, Olivia Haddock, Jaelyn Han, Cindy Maestrecampo, Ryley Munoz, Razaiya Quiambao, Richelle Ragadio, Yzabella Saddo, Orung Santos, Kalyn Savage, and Emily Walton.

Although the tournament is mainly for players at the U21 age division, tournament regulations allow for a maximum of the addition of five players who do not meet the age eligibility criteria.

Of the team, Fejeran, Duenas, Han, Munoz, Saddo, Santos, and Savage most recently played for Guam in a pair of friendly matches against the Saudi Arabia U17 Women’s National Team in Dammam in April. Guam won both matches, 3-1 and 3-0.

Benavente, Connelley, Ariya Cruz, Damian, and Ragadio most recently played for Guam in the 2024 Marianas Friendlies, also held in April, with Guam winning its first match against NMI 3-0 and battling to a 2-2 draw in the second match.

Walton most recently suited up for the Guam Masakåda in the WAFF Women’s Championship Saudi 2024 held in February. Guam’s results were a 4-3 loss to Lebanon, 3-0 loss to Jordan, and a 2-0 win against Saudi Arabia. Damian also was selected to the Guam Masakåda and traveled to Jeddah for the WAFF tournament.

“I’d like to thank the NMI FA for organizing this tournament and inviting us to compete,” Sherman said. “I’d also like to thank GFA for coordinating and supporting the team.”

Traveling with Sherman on the squad staff are GFA Technical Director Ross Awa, Goalkeeper Coach Thomas Castro, Team Manager Kristin Thompson, and Team Physiotherapist Tasi Ada. The team will depart Guam Monday morning.