Temecula Sisters Join American Samoa Women's Soccer Team In Historic Win, 2nd Round FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

TEMECULA, CA — Two Temecula-area sisters playing for the American Samoa Women's Soccer team are making an impact this year in the team's quest toward the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Cassidy and Liberty Drago, both rostered on the team composed mainly of American-based players, will join the squad in February as they move to the second round of FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 qualifying matches.

The girls have American Samoan ancestry through their father, Darren Drago, a longtime men's soccer coach and teacher at Temecula Valley High School. His mother grew up in American Samoa, and he is half-Samoan, according to their mother, Sarah Drago. It's been a long run to make the team, where they put their lives on hold to play overseas, with full support of family, teammates and current coaches.

Cassidy Drago is a graduate of Temecula Valley High School and the San Diego Surf program. She is also a first-year player at Brigham Young University.

Liberty Drago is a Junior at Temecula Valley High School and a current player for both the Temecula Valley High School Women's Soccer team, where she is a captain this year, and the Slammers FC ECNL 2008 team.

Both sisters played in the game vs. Tonga, which the team won 3-0 one day after Thanksgiving.

Cassidy Drago, a forward, scored two goals in her first game to give American Samoa the lead over Tonga, which played on Friday, Nov. 28. Liberty, a Center Back, also played in the match. Friends and fans in Temecula and across the country navigated the three-hour time difference to watch the game, including their father and siblings. Their mother was there to cheer them on.

The team noted that she also made history, scoring the team's first-ever goal in a FIFA Women's World Cup qualifier, according to a report on Oceana Football.

The result is 27 years in the making since American Samoa competed in their first qualifying campaign for the global finals in 1998, and secures their place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 OFC Round One qualifying final against either Tahiti or the Cook Islands."

Cassidy Drago's second goal occurred in the 76th minute, a right-footed finish from the top of the box. The team went on to score again in the fifth minute of injury time to go up 3-0 over Tonga.

When asked how it felt to not only be the player of the match, but also to have achieved that history-making goal, Cassidy had this to say:

"This took the team to make this happen. We are so excited we can represent our culture and family and make them proud.”

"Got to see the girls for a few minutes last night," Sarah Drago told Patch from the Cook Islands. "Their schedule has been packed and in this picture, they are only a few days away from their first game in the World Cup qualifiers."

In their second match, American Samoa bested the Cook Islands 4-0, securing their spot in the second round of OFC qualifying.

They now advance to join Group A of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 OFC Round Two Qualifying in February 2026, alongside New Zealand, the Solomon Islands, and Samoa.

We asked Temecula Valley High School Varsity Women's Soccer coach Jennifer Guinn about watching these two sisters, both of whom she has coached, playing at this level.

"I could not be more proud that two sisters, one a former and one a current TVHS Bear, have been called up to represent American Samoa in the World Cup qualifiers," Guinn said.

"Cassidy, even as a freshman forward in college, made an immediate impact, giving her team a two-goal lead. For me, that was no surprise," Guinn said. "She is a determined, composed, and absolutely solid player who thrives under pressure. I loved every second of watching her shine. Her face shows the passion she brings to the sport, and I have no doubt she will continue to rise for her team. It was so well deserved."

This is also an incredible experience for the current Junior Captain, Liberty Drago, Guinn said.

"Her role as a defender is very different, but her commitment, presence, and team-first energy were evident in the matches I watched. I am so proud of her. She may be one of the youngest players on the roster, but I truly believe this opportunity will shape her future in the game for as long as she chooses to play. Go Cass and Lib! Go Bears, and of course, go American Samoa! We’re all excited to see what round two will bring.”