Faga’itua has ended Samoana’s three-year reign as J-V champions and will hoist the trophy sponsored by FFAS after the varsity final on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
Samoana won by forfeit against the Leone Lions on Feb. 22, closing out the season just a point away from Faga’itua. A tie by the Vikings would have handed the Sharks their fourth straight championship title of the division.
The result was in doubt for the Vikings after a 1-1 result at the end of the first half.
But constant pressure and a goalie mistake by Tafuna gave Faga’itua the win.
Julianne Mano blasted a shot from inside the penalty box that went straight to the Warriors goalkeeper and the ball rolled through her hands and into the back of the net for the Vikings’ game-winner.
Faga’itua’s coach is Vaimili Tyrell and was assisted by Lalomilo Mano. Their school principal, Elvis Liufau, was on hand to watch the game and congratulate the team for their championship win.
Faga’itua closes out the season with a division-best 14 points and a 4-2-0 record;Samoana is second with 13 points with a 4-1-1 record; followed by Leone at third place with four points on a 1-1-4 record and Tafuna rounding it out with three points with a 1-0-5 showing for the year.
The Vikings clinched the top spot in the standings a on Feb. 15 with a 2-1 win over the Samoana Sharks in their second meeting of the year, with the first one ending in a 1-1 draw.