03 Apr Matao finish strong with 6-0 shutout of American Samoa in FIFA Series
[March 29, 2026 – Harmon, Guam] The Matao, Guam National Team, completed its bid in the FIFA Series™ 2026 with a 6-0 shutout of American Samoa March 28 at the Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel in Bayamón, Puerto Rico.
17-year-old Levi Berg led all scorers with two and teammates Elijah Ochoa, Alec Taitague, and James Gomez scored one each. Guam’s other goal came on a shot by Kyle Halehale that ricocheted off an American Samoa defender into the goal in the third minute.
In an interview with Matt Weiss from the Guam Daily Post, Guam National Team Head Coach Ross Awa said, “this victory marks a significant achievement for Guam, especially considering we faced a formidable opponent in American Samoa, who are currently positioned 15 places higher in the FIFA Rankings. I want to commend our players for their exceptional dedication and resilience on the pitch. Today’s performance exemplifies the hard work and unity that underpin our team, as we continue to develop and implement the Matatnga (fearless) style of football within our national program.
“I am proud of the team’s effort, and this result is a reflection of the commitment from everyone involved. We aim to carry this momentum forward into future fixtures,” Awa added.
Guam’s win against American Samoa is the second in its history against the Oceania Football Confederation nation. Guam first defeated American Samoa 2-0 in 2011 in that year’s Pacific Games.
The win comes after Guam fell to host Puerto Rico 4-0 in the tournament’s opening match.
The Matao, Guam National Team, poses for a group photo following its match in the FIFA Series™ 2026 against American Samoa in Puerto Rico at the Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel.
Guam’s Riku Meyar attempts to race past an American Samoa defender in a FIFA Series™ 2026 match in Puerto Rico at the Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel. Guam won 6-0. Photo by John Sadiarin / GFA
Guam’s Oz Rocca makes his way toward the goal between two American Samoa defenders in a FIFA Series™ 2026 match in Puerto Rico at the Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel. Guam won 6-0. Photo by John Sadiarin / GFA.
Guam’s Joey Ciochetto sends the ball forward against American Samoa in a FIFA Series™ 2026 match in Puerto Rico at the Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel. Guam won 6-0. Photo by John Sadiarin / GFA.
Guam’s Elijah Ochoa needles through the American Samoa defense for a shot in a FIFA Series™ 2026 match in Puerto Rico at the Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel. Guam won 6-0. Photo by John Sadiarin / GFA
Guam’s E.J. Sablan battles for possession of the ball against American Samoa in a FIFA Series™ 2026 match in Puerto Rico at the Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel. Guam won 6-0. Photo by John Sadiarin / GFA.
Guam’s James Gomez muscles his way past the American Samoa defense in a FIFA Series™ 2026 match in Puerto Rico at the Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel. Guam won 6-0. Photo by John Sadiarin / GFA.