Kryptonite, Hanalei face off for soccer title

Tyrone Akana broke a 0-0 halftime deadlock with a late-game goal to lead Kryptonite to a 1-0 win over AfterBurners Sunday.

Kryptonite, the defending champions for the Kaua‘i Mens Soccer Association, launched an early-game offensive effort, but AfterBurners’ goalkeeper, Leroy Emery, stopped the drives with help from the black-shirted defense.

Emery’s goalkeeping performance sparked AfterBurners to launch an offensive effort of their own and settled for the 0-0 halftime score after a goal was ruled ineligible late in the opening half.

The defensive slugfest continued in the second half, and Sue Maruyama-Strickland, doing the voice honors over the Vidinha Stadium PA, said it appeared the contest was heading to a shootout before Akama netted the advantage for Kryptonite.

That win pits the greenshirts against Hanalei in the league finals this Sunday starting at 7:30 p.m. at Vidinha Stadium.

Frank Hanata and Eduardo Arujo paced the Hanalei 9-0 win over Cane Fire to earn the playoff slot for top honors in the league.

Hanata finished with two second-half goals while Arujo netted a goal in each half.

Arujo opened the scorebooks for Hanalei followed by a score from Colby Ayonon, one of the coaches for Kapa‘a High School varsity girls.

A penalty kick from Leo Antones was iced by an Ikaika Fuerte strike for the 4-0 halftime lead.

With Hanata leading the second-half offensive fireworks, Arujo struck again. Micah Ohlen and Cola Lindman rounded out the math.

AfterBurners and Cane Fire will be vying for third place honors in the opening game this Sunday starting at 5 p.m.

That contest will be followed by the championship game starting at 7:30 p.m.

Maruyama-Strickland said in addition to free admission, there will be a halftime shootout contest for keiki with prizes awarded.