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A sendoff ceremony for the NMI U20 Women’s National Soccer Team that is competing in the Asian Football Conference U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers in Tashkent, Uzbekistan was held last Friday, July 25, at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.
But before the good luck wishes and speeches were made, a moment of silence was held for the late Gov. Arnold I. Palacios who passed away on July 23.
Then, remarks were made by Northern Mariana Islands Football Association president Jerry Tan, Lt. Gov. Dennis Mendiola, NMIFA Executive Committee member Catherine Attao-Toves, and NMIFA general secretary Ross Zapanta.
This is the first major competition for the team and is the first of four AFC-sanctioned tournaments they will be participating in before the year ends.
The team first flew to the Philippines for a training camp then will travel to Uzbekistan for the competition that will take place from Aug. 6-10.
They are in Group G and will first face off against Jordan on Wednesday, August 6, then host Uzbekistan on Saturday, August 9, then Bahrain on Sunday, August 10.
In Attao-Toves’ speech, she acknowledged the late governor and said, “he was filled with hope for his family, for our youth, and for the future of our community. His leadership and deep commitment to nourishing the future through education, sports, and opportunity, will be dearly missed. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, first lady auntie Wella, his family, and loved ones.”
Then to the team, she said, “Each of you, whether you began this journey at 5-years-old or joined more recently, has trained, persevered, and earned your place on the team. You’ve grown together, you’ve pushed yourself to the limits, and showed us all what passion and discipline can achieve.”
After, the flag was handed by Lt. Mendiola to team captains Kaithlyn Chavez and Rizza Relucio, they made their remarks. Relucio said, “On behalf of the team, we’d like to thank everybody who came out tonight. To our coaches, NMIFA faculty and staff, EXCO members, and our president Jerry Tan, this all wouldn’t have been possible without you guys and your hard work. And we’d also like to thank you guys for your support and commitment towards the development of football here in the CNMI and for giving us young girls the opportunity to travel around the world and compete against teams at much higher levels.”
The team consists of Mia Abuan, Abrey White, Iris Rasa, Joselyn Atalig, Orica George, Ye Lynn Ha, Summer Manahane, Cassidee Flores, Kaithlyn Chavez, Audrey Castro, Deseha Mendiola, Julie Chavez, Rizza Relucio, Sophia Quintos, Stacy Arriola, Alyssa Borlongan, Fiona Regan, Cassie Regan, Tamia Kileleman-Hix, and Megan Elayda.
They are joined by Head of Delegation Luam Khen Koo; head coach Chi Ming Tang; assistant coaches Shuk Fan Wong, Mae Ito, and Ronnel Ocanada; team manager Khristelle Itaas; assistant team manager Yu Hung Lee; and team doctor Robert Zarajczyk.
Report by Leigh Gases
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