Team Guam soccer looks to even the score against Singapore

While the Guam Men's National Soccer Team - The Matao - prioritizes sportsmanship and island hospitality in all forms of international competition, the inarguable theme heading into Tuesday's epic FIFA World Cup qualifier against Singapore is a single word: PAYBACK.

Just a few days ago, our boys played a Singaporean squad, ranked 157th in the world, and were bested 2-1 with their home field advantage. Now, Guam's back home...and it's our turn.

"Now that we're back on island," said midfielder Jason Cunliffe, who captains the team, "we're all super excited to play in front of our family and friends - everyone.  As soon as we touched down and the plane landed, you could just feel the energy coming from the team. So we're ready to put the work in – it's a whole new game and we're excited to get to work and get the result."

The team's an effective mix of savvy veterans and fresh legs, with several first-time call-ups eager to compete for 671. Cunliffe says he's got his guys ready to take the pitch, and achieve their goal, noting, "It's all just about enjoying the moment. I kind of have a little rundown about how things should go based on all the work I've done over the years."

"I'm just trying to show the boys, especially the younger guys who are just coming up, what it takes. And making sure they know that even when things might not be going our way, to stay resilient and continue to believe."

And they need the loud ovation of our non-stop cheers to channel their Hafa Adai strength to propel them to victory. Cunliffe said proudly, "We may be a small island with a small population, but we are very powerful, and that power comes from our people and our culture."

You've still got time to buy tickets online and purchase merch to wear to the match, at 2:45 at the GFA Training Center here in Harmon. Our team is focused, locked-in at the task at hand.

Fellow midfielder Levi Berg told KUAM Sports the energy the home crowd feeds them pays dividends, sharing,  "We feel a lot more confident knowing that the fans are behind you. And we're hoping that everyone can come out.

"Because we're going to win."

So show up Tuesday, get a good seat, and warm up your vocal chords. Because The Matao is coming.  Good luck, boys. Showtime.