National Team News

The National Men's Team concluded a series of friendly matches with Genova Lex Calcio of Italy. The three matches were held in Yap 11-15 August 2002. Despite terrible weather, the matches were very exciting and opened the doors for future friendly matches against other teams outside the region. Below are the photos an the press releases that were issued following to conclusion of each match.

Match 1

First Friendly Match with Genova Lex Calcio of Italy

11 August 2002, Yap, Federated States of Micronesia -- The first of three friendly matches between the national men’s football team of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the Italian club team called Genova Lex was held today at the Yap Sports Complex in the pouring rain and on a field that quickly became soaked with water and mud. In front of approximately 1,500 spectators, the Genova Lex team won the match by a score of 5 goals to 1. Four the Genova Lex’s 5 goals were scored in the first half as they were able to take advantage more their larger size and considerable experience to press the attack. The first goal of the match was scored in the 12th minute by forward Davide Trinchero on a penalty kick resulting from a hard tackle by FSM midfielder Peter Paul Igesumal that brought down Trinchero in the penalty box. Maurizio De Feo scored the second goal in the 15th minute and the third was scored in the 22^nd minute by Davide Trinchero again. Stefano Brunelli netted the fourth goal for Genova Lex in the 38th minute. In the 40^th minute, the FSM side was able to respond with a breakaway play that resulted in one of the few shots the team was able to take during the first half of play. Jason Langstrom, the youngest player on the team (15 years old), was able to beat the Genova Lex goalkeeper with a shot on the right side of the goal.

During the twenty-minute half time, much to the delight of the spectators, a small exhibition match was held on the muddy field between local Yapese boys’ and girls’ teams. This match resulted in a 0-0 tie.

Serious consideration was given to suspending the second half of the match between the FSM side and Genova Lex, given the terrible condition of the field. However, after consulting with both squads, the match officials elected to continue play, as both sides were having fun, as were the enthusiastic fans in attendance.

At the start of the second half, each side made one substitution. The FSM squad sent in striker Michal Fanafal for Robert Tawerlibeg. Genova Lex replaced Roberto Cisani with Michele Sirito. By the second half of play, both sides were having difficulty advancing the ball, which often would not roll through the mud and water accumulated on the pitch. For the FSM side, Fanafal, taking advantage of his small size and quickness got several chances to advance the ball around the Genvoa Lex defense, but could not get off many shots on goal. The sole goal of the half was scored in the 52 minute by Stefano Brunelli on a cross from the left side of the field. Genova Lex substituted a fresh player for Stefano Brunelli in the 70^th minute. Shortly thereafter, in the 73^rd minute, both sides made substitutions. Entering the game for the FSM side was Sesario Sigam for Chris Lanstrom. Entering for Genvoa Lex was Amicarelli Luca who replaced Stefano Giordani. The final substitution of the match occurred in the 79^th minute with James Luson coming in for Jason Langstrom.

With the next match scheduled to take place only 2 days from now, it is uncertain if the muddy field at the Yap Sports Complex would be ready for play. The grounds maintenance team at the complex was poised to begin repair efforts on the pitch, with their efforts solely dependent on their being no more rain. In anticipation of another rainy day, officials were considering the possibility of using the Yap State Team practice field to stage the next friendly match between the FSM side and Genova Lex on 13. However, both sides resolved that, regardless of which they field they use to play, everyone will have fun.

The series of friendly matches being held in the FSM from 11-15 August, and sponsored by the Federated States of Micronesia Football Association (FSMFA), are significant for the development of football in Micronesia, as well as for sports in general. The matches represent the first time any European team has played any Micronesian team in any sport. The friendly match was carried live with running commentary over Yap State radio.

Match 2

Second Friendly Match with Genova Lex Calcio of Italy

13 August 2002, Yap, Federated States of Micronesia -- The second of three friendly matches between the national men’s football team of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the Italian club team called Genova Lex was held today at the Yap State team’s practice field, due to the unplayable conditions at the Yap Sports Complex. While today’s match was conducted in the rain, the better field condition allowed for a more attractive brand of football from both sides. Despite the alternate location and heavy rain, there was an excellent turn out of enthusiastic supporters of both sides. Approximately 1,500 people were in attendance.

Compared with the match of two days ago, today’s match was hotly contested and much more competitive. In the end, the experience of the Genova Lex side would prevail over the youthful speed and quickness of the FSM. The final tally was 3 to 1.

The first goal came in the 37^th minute when forward David Trinchereo was able to capitalize on a communication error between an FSM defender and the FSM goalkeeper. A short back pass to the goalkeeper well inside the penalty area, suddenly skipped and was intercepted by Trinchero who was able to push it across the goal line. Once again, in the 44^th minute, Davide Trinchero was able to take advantage of a momentary disorganization of the FSM backs. He received a lofted cross from the right and headed home the ball. Moments later, the first half ended.

Again, the halftime entertainment consisted of a 15-minute exhibition match between a local boys’ team and a local girls’ team. The exhibition match generated lots of excitement from the stands, and resulted in a 0-0 tie.

At the start of the second half, Genova Lex made two substitutions: Michele Parodi and Maurizio De Feo were replaced by Roberto Cisani and Stefano Giordani. The intensity increased in the second half as Genova Lex became increasingly physical, and made effective use of intelligent tactical fouls to prevent threatening counterattacks by the FSM midfielders and forwards. Despite the physicality, the FSM tallied its first goal of the match in the 50^th minute on a beautiful feed from Robert Tawerlibeg to Percy Rasug who one-timed the pass with his left foot before the charging keeper could get to the play. The supporters, most of whom were from the FSM, went wild. In the 58^th minute, the FSM side made its first substitution, replacing the banged-up Robert Tawerlibeg with Michael Fanafal. Fanafal’s lightning quickness gave new life to the already sparked FSM offense. However, Genova Lex made their last substitution in the 63^rd minute, replacing Michele Sirito with Stefano Brunelli, who five minutes later in the 68^th minute chipped a shot over the FSM keeper who had come off his line. This would prove to be their insurance goal. The FSM came close to scoring a second goal when Michael Fanafal beat his defender in the left corner and, taking the Italian keeper by surprise, launched a well-placed lofting shot that the keeper had to punch over the cross-bar. In the 75^th minute, James Luzon entered the match for Tioti Teburea of the FSM side. Two minutes later, Sesario Sigam came in for Jason Langstrom at right midfield.

Two yellow card were given in the match. Genova Lex’s Alessandro Pino received a yellow card in the 54^th minute for a flagrant tactical foul just across the midline. On the FSM side, Percy Rasug received a yellow card in the 69^th minute for an aggressive hold from behind which resulted in both players falling to the ground.

As expected, the coaching staff of the FSM felt that the increased exposure to a high level of European football would bring out the best in their play. “These Italian players offer a great gift to the young Micronesian players,” said Tod Rutstein, head coach of the FSM side. “Their excellent shielding of the ball, intelligent attacking and superb team defense gives our players something to emulate. But our players realized that they truly belong on the same field with Genova Lex and look forward to the final match on Thursday.”

Due to the persistent rain over the past 4 days, match officials are planning to hold the third and final match between the FSM and Genova Lex at the Yap State team practice field. A heavy turn-out is anticipated given the widespread enthusiasm for football in Yap.

Match 3

Third and Final Friendly Match with Genova Lex Calcio of Italy

15 August 2002, Yap, Federated States of Micronesia -- The third and final friendly match between the national men’s football team of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the Italian club team called Genova Lex was held today at the Yap State team’s practice field, due to the unplayable conditions at the Yap Sports Complex. While there were hopes that today’s match could be conducted in drier conditions, especially since most of the day there had been only light rain, just prior to kick-off there began a heavy downpour that lasted almost the entire 90 minutes. Despite the soggy conditions, the playing surface was still better than that of the first match. But, on numerous occasions throughout the match, well-conceived plays were thwarted as the ball splashed to a stop in one of many puddles that dotted the field. The rain affected attendance at the match as well. Approximately 800 people braved the elements to cheer on both sides.

After an exchange of gifts that included numerous Italian consumables and a pennant, a silver platter was presented by Genova Lex to the FSM head coach, Tod Rutstein. Winning the coin toss, Genova Lex kicked off the first half that found the two teams quite evenly matched. Unfortunately, two own goals by the FSM contributed to the 2-1 decision in favor of Genova Lex.

The first goal came in the 4^th minute when the ball was crossed in front of the FSM net. While the cross was intercepted by defender James Gachbar, Italian forward David Trinchero applied pressure to the young defender, who attempted to pass the ball back to his own keeper. Unfortunately for the FSM, his pass was too hard and easily passed the keeper Jason Gajdusek, to put Genova Lex up 1-0. The second own goal came in the 11^th minute, when left back Sesario Sigam was dispossessed of the ball and an early cross arrived on forward Davide Trinchero’s feet on the right side of the goal, just inside the penalty box. Attempting to dribble the ball toward the goal, Trinchero was effectively double teamed until reaching the end line when he attempted to cross the ball in front of the goal mouth. The cross was intercepted by a trailing defender, but was deflected directly into the goal, giving the Italians a 2-0 lead, which lasted for the remainder of the first half.

After a shortened half-time, due to the weather, the FSM earned a penalty kick in the 49^th minute, when striker Robert Tawerlibeg was taken down by a very aggressive charge in the right side of the penalty box. Team captain Peter Paul Igesumal, showing remarkable poise, easily converted the PK by beating the Italian keeper with a well-placed shot into the left lower corner of the goal. The remainder of the game proved exciting with FSM earning most of the scoring chances. In the end, however, the score stood at 2-1 in favor of the Italian side.

As expected, the match was rather physical, but the Micronesian players were prepared to deal with that style of play. Unlike the previous match, when the Italians mostly had their way when challenging for loose balls, or when trying to retain possession, the FSM players were just as successful in tackling and holding off defenders. In fact, the physicality of the FSM players resulted in the lion’s share of scoring chances and also caused some frustration and bickering among the Italians. At one point, as midfielder Percy Rasug was setting up for a direct free kick, intense arguing and shoving occurred among the Genova Lex players as they attempted to setup their wall. Frustration may be the reason why all three yellow cards in the match were given to Italian players: One for an intentional handling of the ball, and two others for hard tactical fouls.

After the final whistle blew ending the match, both sides exchanged jerseys. The Italians quickly donned the FSM jerseys and just as quickly removed their shorts and offered them in exchange as well. Unfortunately the small budget of the FSM program prohibited such an extension of the traditional symbol of friendship that commonly occurs after an international football match. Following the instructions of the FSM team management, the Micronesian players kept their own shorts, but the generous players from Genova chose to leave the venue pant less, having spontaneously turned their shorts into extra gifts.

“We hope you come to Italy next time,” remarked Italian coach Brunelli, who also thanked the FSM team for a wonderful experience in Yap. FSM coach Tod Rutstein thanked the Genova Lex side at the end of the match, and noted, “No football experience can compare to international competition such as this. I am grateful for the contribution you have made to the growth and development of team. It was just too bad we couldn’t have better weather to have even more impressive football.”

At the conclusion of the match, the FSM national team agreed to play an exhibition match against the Yap State team on Friday, August 16^th at 4:30 PM. The venue will be the Yap State practice field.

The series of friendly matches between Genova Lex and the FSM national Team was held in the FSM from 11-15 August, and was sponsored by the Federated States of Micronesia Football Association (FSMFA). They were significant for the development of football in Micronesia, as well as for sports in general. The matches represented the first time any European team has played any Micronesian team in any sport.

FSM National Football Team Roster

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