Congratulatory legislative certificate presented by Sen. Lujan to Matao

[April 10, 2026 – Harmon, Guam] Sen. Jesse A. Lujan on Thursday afternoon presented the Matao with Legislative Certificate No. 355-38 (COR) relative to recognizing the team’s achievement in the recently concluded FIFA Series™ 2026 tournament in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

Present at the presentation event at the Guam Legislature were Vice Speaker Tony Ada, Sen. Jesse A. Lujan, Guam National Team Head Coach Ross Awa, Guam National Team Manager Vance Manibusan, Guam National Team Equipment Manager Melwert Etumai, and players Michael Castaneda, Justin Cruz, and Morgan McKenna.

“On the behalf of the Matao and the Guan Football Association, I wanted to thank everybody – Senator Lujan, (Vice Speaker) Ada for having us here today to recognize the team and the efforts that we’ve had in the FIFA series in Puerto Rico most recently,” said Matao Head Coach Ross Awa. “The 6-nil win, it’s pure dedication that shows our island spirit, showing the ‘matatnga’ style of football that we wanted to instill and continue to instill to show the world that we can continue to compete at this level internationally.

“Overall, we’re moving forward. We’re making positive strides as an organization but most importantly I think we’re making positive strides as an island community as well. So on behalf of the Guam Football Association, the Matao, which is the Guam National Team, I wanted to say thank you to each and everybody who’s continuously supporting us on our journey,” Awa added.

In Puerto Rico, Guam defeated American Samoa 6-0 in its second match of the tournament, after falling 4-0 to the eventual group champion, Puerto Rico. The 6-0 win against American Samoa is Guam’s second against the Oceania Football Confederation nation. Guam won 2-0 in 2011 in that year’s Pacific Games in Noumea, New Caledonia.

The 6-0 win is Guam’s largest victory margin against a FIFA member nation, one goal more than its previous record of 5-0 against Bhutan in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Joint Preliminary Qualification Round 1 Playoff held at the GFA National Training Center in 2019.

“Our Guam men didn’t just compete (in Puerto Rico) – they won from the opening goal against American Samoa to the … final whistle. They displayed tactical brilliance and incredible unity,” said Sen. Jesse Lujan. “On a personal note, standing here before all of you to present these certificates is deeply emotional for me. As many of you know, my son Ryan also wore the Matao jersey and played for our island’s national team. Through watching his journey, I’ve seen firsthand, of course, the sweat and sacrifice and grit that it takes to compete at this level.

“And I know exactly what it feels like to watch our flag being represented on the field. I’ve seen how this sport can take you so far. It can take you across the globe and even into the professional ranks. Looking at all of you and watching over the years the team grow, I see the the same potential as well. I want to encourage you to keep on pushing, continue to work hard, and continue to show the world exactly what our tiny island in the Pacific is all about,” Lujan added.

A virtual congratulatory message also was presented by former Guam National Team Player Ryan Guy, Lujan’s son. Guy, a former professional football player in Europe for St. Patrick’s Athletic and the United States for the New England Revolution in the MLS among other teams, played for Guam between 2012 and 2016, making 33 appearances and scoring four goals.

Guy’s throw-in led to a goal in Guam’s first-ever win in its FIFA World Cup qualification history. On Jun. 11, 2015, Guam won 1-0 against Turkmenistan at the GFA National Training Center ahead of its 2-1 win over India five days later also at GFA, catapulting Guam to the top of Group D after Asia’s first set of matches in Round 2.

“Matao brethren, I just want to say hello – Ryan Guy here – and that I’m so happy to to hear my dad talking about you guys,” Guy said via video message. “I hope the the buzz is going around the island. I hope everyone’s talking about you guys. I’ll also say some of the same words that have been said about you – I’m so proud of our island and of everything that you guys have been able to achieve. It brings a tear to my eye seeing coach sitting there right there. I know just a few years ago, we were on similar trips. Sometimes we saw the success that you guys saw last week and sometimes we didn’t.

“I’m wearing my Matao jersey right now and I was last week when you guys were playing American Samoa. Regardless of scores, regardless of results, I know the grit, I know the passion. I know the love for the game and one another that we always had. When we were doing our pregame shouts or when we were running around on the pitch there. I just want to say that it’s not just the island that are talking about you guys, thinking about you guys, supporting you guys. It’s everyone stateside as well that has any ties to this tiny little island with a massive heart. I love you guys – I’m so proud of what you guys are continuing to achieve and look forward to continuing to track our progress. This team and this crest continues to show the world what we can do. So congratulations, well done, well deserved.”

Following the video presentation, Sen. Lujan presented certificates to players and staff in attendance and also handed over the remaining certificates to Awa.

Each player had the opportunity to speak at the event following the certificate presenation.

Michael Castaneda: “This ain’t nothing new. I believe that we are hungrier for any competition and we also believe we can high we can achieve the highest level possible.”

Justin Cruz: “I just wanted to say what an honor it is to be here and thanks to coach Ross and the staff for allowing me to take part in this competition and more to come.”

Morgan McKenna: “I’d also like to say a big thank you to the staff and Coach Ross. It’s definitely been a a tremendous journey growing up through the projects from U14 to the Matao. I’ll never take it for granted and I’m very grateful that I get to represent this island on a big stage. So again, thank you.”

The full video of the certificate presentation is on the Guam Legislature Media YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/live/FZIOMREQmrU

Speeches and the official presentation begin after the 6 minute, 52 second mark.