The Samoana Sharks Junior-Varsity team were also announced as the official champions of their division at the weekend following the completion of the season in early February. It was also the third consecutive title for this side after they completed the season with the best win record.
The Department of Education assistant director for secondary division Li’atama Amisone congratulated both teams on their victories before helping Football Federation American Samoa CEO Tavita Taumua present the trophies.
Samoana’s Varsity team had dominated over every other team in the championship throughout the season but on the day of the final Tafuna put up a strong fight, especially goalkeeper Ruta Hafoka who repelled numerous attacks in the first half.
The Sharks were in control of the game slightly in the first half but it was the Warriors that took an early advantage following a mistake from Samoana goalkeeper Fa’aseveve Filiga.
Filiga blocked a shot at goal but failed to gather the ball in her arms and fortunately for Tafuna it rebounded to the feet of the unmarked Sharmaigne Fuimaono, who put the ball in the back of the net for the game’s opening goal in the 12th minute.
The Warriors maintained the lead for almost the entire first half, until Samoana were awarded a penalty kick in the 23rd minute. The ASHSAA Girls Soccer competition’s Most Valuable Player Yandell Liu converted with just two minutes remaining in the period.
In the second half, the championship game’s MVP Jennifer Sasala scored the goal which gave her side the lead during the 35th minute. Sasala added a second goal to secure the championship for Samoana and solidify her status as the season’s Most Valuable Player.
Sasala learnt from her many attempts at goal in the first half to better place her shots, with the first goal coming from her placement of the ball into the corner of the far post to bring the fans to their feet, roaring with approval.
With her second goal she managed to sneak a shot just past the goalkeeper at the near post.
In other awards handed out at the weekend’s ceremony, the Junior-Varsity coach of the year was awarded to Samoana’s Galo Tuiolosega while the Varsity equivalent was handed to the Sharks’ Donation Ape.
The Junior-Varsity MVP award went to Ruby Vaovasa.
For more on American Samoa football go to www.ffas.as

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