The team departs for Fiji on Wednesday, May 21 (Tuesday, local time) from Samoa.
During his sermon Areta extolled the patience of David and his contentious relationship with King Saul and told the team that they can learn much David’s example.
He said no matter what King Saul threw David’s way, he did not reciprocate and the team should do the same — no matter what their opponents at the upcoming OFC U20 Tournament throws at them they return the favor by playing well and fair.
In the end, King Saul told David that he would do great things and Areta told the team that if they follow David’s example they would be able to do great things as well.
“I want to thank Rev. Areta and the Futiga Methodist Church for allowing us to have our church service here at their chapel,” said FFAS President Faiivae Iuli Alex Godinet. “It was a fitting message that he preached to our team and I trust that they will use it while in Fiji.
“We are proud to send off these 19 players and the team management and wish them the best of luck.”
Eight members will head to Samoa on May 19 while the rest arrive the following morning to catch a direct flight to Fiji. Their first game is against the host nation on May 23 (May 22, local time).
Below is the schedule for American Samoa’s games in Fiji.
1st Game
American Samoa vs. Fiji — May 23, 2:30 p.m. (May 22, 3:30 p.m. local time)
2nd Game
Papua New Guinea vs. American Samoa — May 25, 5:00 p.m. (May 24, 6:00 p.m. local time)
3rd Game
American Samoa vs. Vanuatu — May 27, 7:30 p.m. (May 26, 8:30 p.m. local time)
4th Game
Solomon Islands vs. American Samoa — May 29, 2:30 p.m. (May 28, 3:30 p.m. local time)
5th Game
New Caledonia vs. American Samoa — May 31, 2:30 p.m. (May 30, 3:30 p.m. local time)
The players and management are:
Goalkeepers:
Frederick MAIAVA — Pago Youth
Sione Haisila MOEAKI — Vaiala Tongan
Defenders:
Johnny SIONE — Pago Youth
Ne’emia KALEOPA — Utulei Youth
Paul COLLINS — Lion Heart
Paia IPINIU — Ilaoa & To’omata
Rueben LUVU — Lion Heart
Faiai KERISIANO — PanSa
Fala LEVAULA — Tafuna Jets
Lotupo LAMETA — Pago Youth
Henry LAMETA — Pago Youth
Toko VAIELI — Utulei Youth
Midfielders:
Sam KOME — Lion Heart
Kaleopa SILIGI — Utulei Youth
Tokilupelekina AFU — Vaiala Tongan
David ALO — FC SKBC
Forwards:
Rafael ROCHA — Pago Youth
Ryan PAAGA — PanSa
Sinia TUA — Vaiala Tongan
Team Management:
Rupeni LUVU — Coach
Uinifareti ALIVA — Assistant Coach
Florence WASKO-SALESA — Team Physio
Tavita TAUMUA — Team Manager
Brian VITOLIO — Media Officer