By Tupou Vaipulu Jr

Tonga’s 'Veitongo FC' defeated the 'Vaiala Tonga' team from American Samoa (13-0) today, 17 February, in a slippery soccer match at Teufaiva Stadium, after heavy rain.

Tonga Football is hosting an Oceania Football Tournament, kicking off today, with teams from Samoa, American Samoa and Cook Islands taking part.

Veitongo FC started off strong with Pita Uhatahi scoring the first goal, 10 minutes in to the game.

During the first half, Goal Keeper, Sione Moeaki of the Vaiala Tonga team was very unhappy with the last goal made by Elias Kendler. He told the referee that Polovili, who caught the ball and passed it to Kendler, was offside and that the assistant referee kept his flag down.

The first half ended with Veitongo FC leading 6-0.

Veitongo FC came back even stronger in the second half, scoring an additional seven points setting the final score to 13-0.

Elias Kendler told Matangi Tonga that they did not expect a very big crowd today and were pleasantly surprised by the turn-up.

Going up against Apia, Samoa and Cook Islands next, Kendler said that they don't really have a game plan yet. However, "like always, we are completely putting our trust in God," he said.

Heavy Rain

Vaiala Tonga coach, Ofa Malesi, said that they boys played their best but, unfortunately, the weather not on their side.

Before the match started, an unexpected heavy rainfall soaked the field and hindered both teams.

"The weather did not help - it did not help us at all - we definitely weren't expecting it at all," said Malesi.

Polovili told Matangi Tonga they would have "probably gotten more goals" if it weren't for the rain.

Malesi said that the Vailala team are all Tongan players, born in American Samoa.