KAREN EARNSHAW
Marshallese tuned in and turned up to watch the first ever international soccer event hosted by the Marshall Islands Soccer Federation last week in Arkansas with social media lighting up on the topic.
Springdale’s Albious Latior wrote: “The Marshall Islands made history last night as they played their FIRST EVER international football match! They lost 4-0 to the US Virgin Islands, but what a magnificent night and one that will be remembered forever.”
Four teams took part in the 2025 Outrigger Challenge Cup: Marshall Islands, Turks and Caicos, US Virgin Islands and the Arkansas team Ozarks United 19.
The winner was the US Virgin Islands, but federation members were bursting with pride by the end of the Cup, with official Matt Webb telling the Journal: “We took a bold step to host an international tournament and while it was won by the US Virgin Islands, we are incredibly proud of the Marshall Islands team. You have to bear in mind that a week ago Saturday, August 10, was the first time this group of players ever trained together.
“They improved measurably over the space of five training sessions and two matches, which was testament to the great work of our coaching team led by Head Coach Lloyd (Owers). They were a dream team of coaches.
“But obviously all the credit must go to the players themselves who adapted really well. There was an awful lot of media attention, including documentary makers, so the players had to deal with a lot of noise and attention during the event.”
Albious added in his post that “Springdale High hosted the game, a high school pitch in Arkansas, an area which has a high population of people from the islands, many of which were in attendance. It’s been a journey since around 2020 to get to this point, their next goal is to be recognized by FIFA (the world governing body of soccer).”
The second game for the Marshallese was against Turks and Caicos Islands. Matt said: “We were hoping that we could get a positive result or a draw in this game, but unfortunately we fell just short. But the day was still a success with the first ever goal scored by the Marshall Islands soccer team.
“And, putting things into perspective, it was an amazing week. Aside from the sport itself, there were many connections being formed by the players. We all stayed in the same hotel and it was great to see friendships being formed.”
The hope is to bring a big match to the Marshall Islands, but there’s going to be some logistical challenges with that, including finding opponents who are willing to travel there.
Marshall Islands Soccer Federation President Shem Livai spoke at the opening of the Cup and summed up the event by saying that this is “a moment that marks history for our nation.”
He thanked all involved, especially for making the Marshallese team feel at home and ended by saying: “Kommool tata and let’s make history.”
And they did.
In related news:
There were 17 goals scored in four matches for an average of 4.25 goals per match.
Rakeem Joseph of Ozark United 19 scored three goals; Keniel Clervil and Junior Paul of Turks and Caicos Islands both scored two goals; and Aaron Anitok-Brokken and Josiah Blanton of the Marshall Islands each scored one goal, while Gabriel Catone-Highfield and Carmelo Rodriguez of Ozark United 19 each scored one goal.
The youngest Marshallese player in the Outrigger Challenge Cup was 15-year-old Zach London, who was adopted at the age of six months by Danielle Mihalko and Ted London.
His birth mother, Mary Jitiam of Ebeye, told Danielle: “Just looking at the photo and seeing him with the team, I was so very happy. Seriously, I don’t know how to describe my feelings.”
Zach played in the game between the Marshall Islands and the US Virgin Islands and was on the field for 15 minutes.