Island Derby Returns: 2024 Marianas Friendlies in Saipan

The highly anticipated island derby is back with the upcoming 2024 Marianas Friendlies in Saipan. Guam’s delegation, consisting of 40 players and seven staff members, has departed for the tournament set to commence on Saturday at the Northern Mariana Islands Training Center.

The action-packed weekend kicks off with the men’s competition starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday, followed by the women’s opening match at 8 p.m. The fierce competition continues on Sunday, with the women’s teams facing off at 5 p.m. and the men’s teams battling it out at 8 p.m.

E.J. Manibusan, a key player for the Guam men’s team, expressed the team’s eagerness to dominate their Saipan counterparts and secure a win this time around. With a strong passion for victory, Manibusan highlighted the importance of triumphing in the intense derby matches.

The men’s team lineup includes talented individuals such as Josiah Jones, Levi Buckwalter, and Samuel Stenson, among others, set to showcase their skills and determination on the field. The women’s team shares the same enthusiasm and drive to compete at their best during the upcoming matches.

Ariya Cruz, a standout member of the Guam women’s team, emphasized the honor of representing their island and the spirited competition they always face against Saipan. With a roster full of exceptional players like Kalle Damian, Anna Jones, and Sophia San Agustin, the Guam women’s team is prepared to give their all on the pitch.

Accompanying the players are dedicated staff members including coaches Ross Awa and Kristin Thompson, ensuring the teams are well-prepared and supported throughout the tournament. The coaching staff, along with the team manager and physiotherapist, are committed to guiding the players towards success on the field.

As the island derby reignites this weekend, fans can anticipate thrilling matches filled with intense competition and remarkable displays of skill from both the men’s and women’s teams. The stage is set for an unforgettable showdown between Guam and Saipan as they vie for supremacy in the 2024 Marianas Friendlies.

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Favian Ningrum

Hailing from Indonesia, Favian Ningrum is a passionate writer with a deep love for the AFC Champions League and an unyielding allegiance to Liverpool. Favian's articles seamlessly blend the thrill of continental competitions with his insights into the global footballing landscape. As an AFC aficionado and Liverpool fanatic, Favian's analysis goes beyond the surface, delving into the intricacies of tactics and the stories that unfold on and off the pitch.

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