Coach Larry Mana’o gave an impassioned speech at half time challenging all of the players to play better in the second and they responded well by defending well and with a little more intensity.
Most of the squad of 18 are banged up after two tough games and with one more match remaining against Tahiti on September 5 at 9:00 a.m. (Sept. 4, 11:00 a.m. local time), they have two days of rest before going back to close out their XIV Pacific Games experience.
NEW CALEDONIA 7, AMERICAN SAMOA 0
The hosts got off to a great start on August 31 (Aug. 30, local time) by blanking American Samoa 5-0 in the first half on their way to a final 7-0 victory.
A strong effort by the young ladies in the second half saw them concede only two goals.
MEN
GUAM 2, AMERICAN SAMOA 0
The men put forth a strong first half with a 0-0 showing but conceded a goal early in the second period.
Down 1-0 they managed to draw a red card against Guam but still could not capitulate on the 11-10 advantage as the other U.S. territory scored with a man down to complete the match’s final tally of 2-0.
The men’s team will take on the hosts New Caledonia and Group A’s top team on September 3 at 3:00 p.m. (Sept. 2, 5:00 p.m. local time). Their final game is against Vanuatu on Sept 5 at 12:00 p.m. (Sept. 4, 2:00 p..m. local time)
Once down the soccer contingent will have to wait out the remaining days until the return flight to American Samoa on Sept. 13.