The 2001/2002 Afterburners season has been off to a rough start, but this is not from a lack of talent. The Westside squad has plenty of veterans and longtime core players, yet they haven’t been able to close the deal
The 2001/2002 Afterburners season has been off to a rough start, but this is not from a lack of talent.
The Westside squad has plenty of veterans and longtime core players, yet they haven’t been able to close the deal once this season.
Hanalei Soccer Club, on the other hand, came charging out of the gates, but has slowed to a mere trot – barely holding on to ties and unable to score proficiently.
Sunday was almost the day for the Westside’s first victory.
Hanalei sweeper Doug Loper brought the ball up through the middle of the field, leaving his position in the back of the field. The Afterburners forced a turnover, and Kevin Celebrado kicked the ball back down to striker Mark Perales, who was not covered in front of the goal. He controlled the ball with ease and then shot it past the Hanalei Goalie.
Later in the first half, Perales scored a second goal for the Afterburners, but it was called back by the referee due to a technicality.
During the second, Hanalei’s goal scoring woes continued as they played in their fourth consecutive half without a tally.
Then as the game was just winding down, Cola Lindman lofted a free kick to the head of Anthony Tangelder, who scored and tied the game 1-1.
Luckily for Tangelder, the referees hadn’t red carded him for being argumentative.
Wailua Kryptonite 6,
Anahola Hanapa Hui 4
One might think after reading the score it was a baseball game, but in fact it was an extremely high scoring soccer game.
The Wailua Kryptonite regained first place in the league after beating opponent Anahola 6-4 last Sunday.
The Kryptonite’s first goal came from Eddie Adams, who took the penalty kick awarded for an Anahola handball in the penalty box.
Shortly afterwards, Kit Owen (2 goals) knocked in a goal of his own. Passing is the key for the Kryp as they worked the ball inside on the Hui.
Moments later, Owen pushed a ball to Kaena Mayer who blasted the ball in for another score.
Anahola staged a comeback, beginning with Mike Berchett who scored with the first goal. Unfortunatly he later had to leave the game due to a knee injury. Dan Priggie continued the Hui’s momentum as he was held in the box and awarded a penalty kick. The head referee called his third penalty kick for the Kryptonite, which Duncan MacDonald put away.
Finally in the end the Hui made another charge and Kaiana Oliver scored two goals – one from a powerful shot and the other off his head.
Both teams played well, and maybe had the Hui would have scored more had they not been a man down for most of the game.
Games will resume Febuary 10th following the Superbowl break.