Utulei Youth continue to dominate the Football Federation American Samoa National League after defeating Royal Puma 3-2 on Match Day Three of the domestic competition on Saturday.
All three Utulei Youth goals were scored in the first half, two of them off penalty kicks taken by Ne’emia Kaleopa. Kome Tomasi secured the half-time lead with a third goal.
Utulei Youth struggled to contain Royal Puma’s Pio Punefu, who scored for the underdogs in both the first and second half. The second half was a close battle looking more in the Royal Puma’s favour but they were unable to break the Utulei Youth backline for the equaliser.
The current champions will have to work hard to defend their title when they take on Pago Youth in the next round. Both teams will want to continue their winning streaks after Pago Youth defeated Green Bay 4-0.
Royal Puma will take on Black Roses, who were defeated by Tafuna Jets 1-0.
In the National Women’s league, a last minute front post goal from Titiula Manuma won the game for PanSa 1-0 against Ilaoa & To’omata, continuing PanSa’s winning streak and keeping them at the top of the table.
Tafuna Jets completely dominated their match against Vaiala Tongan, winning 7-0.
Both Pago Youth and Utulei Youth were unable to field the required number of players and had to forfeit their matches. Utulei Youth will face disqualification from the league if they forfeit any more matches this season.
Next week PanSa will take on Vaiala Tongan for the cup, Tafuna Jets will play Green Bay, Utulei Youth will take on Royal Puma, and Ilaoa & To’omata will take on Lion Heart.
For more on American Samoa football visit www.ffas.as