KSC takes second at event

The Kaua‘i Soccer Club under girls 14 team headed straight to the Hilo Bayfront Fields from the airport to play its first game against the Riptides from Aliso Viejo, CA in the 2003 Volcano International Soccer Tournament held this past weekend.

Strong defense led by Alex Pond and Brittney Carvalho led the team to victory with Ka‘ala Leong scoring two and Leila Barnett’s pass to Danielle Hoen gave KSC its first win 3-2.

Leong had a hat trick in Friday’s game against Mililani with defense power kicker Carvalho scoring from the half and Barnett’s easy kick to the corner pocket brought the game to a 5-1 win.

Jocelyn Enrique, Nahtice Nield, Kieren Pond and Kai Kealoha at midfield held the Miliani team in its half of the field.

The first game on Saturday against Hilo-2, KSC was down by two goals after Alex Pond was rushed to the Hilo Hospital with a bad ankle injury.

Barnett scored one in the third and another in the fourth quarter, but with the team’s key defensive player missing and switches made, Hilo-2 scored two more to win 4-2 and end KSC’s winning streak.

Facing Hilo-1 in Saturday’s afternoon game, Leong scored one after switching from sweeper to forward with Kieren Pond tapping one in from across by Lena McRoberts. Noelani “Kiki” Moeller and Gillian Pickett, outside fullbacks, had their work cut out for them throughout the tournament. KSC tied Hilo-1 1-1.

With enough points, KSC qualified to play in the championship game against Hilo-2 on Sunday morning.

“Onipa‘a” (Hilo-2) played a beautiful passing game, scored their first goal in the second quarter with the ball deflecting off KSC’s goalkeeper Kirstie Daly’s hand.

Daly made several good saves in this game. KSC’s shots missed the goal although Enrique’s score ended Hilo-2’s shutout bid 4-1.

Coach Gwen said, “Everyone of them played their hearts out knowing they were representing Kaua‘i and I’m very, very proud of them.”

The title game ended in a 4-1 score with KSC taking second place in the tourney.