Karla Asai scored in the first half to give the Kaua‘i Gurlz an early lead, Thursday. But Alli Pascual and Khaya Pounao answered for the Lihu‘e Shooting Stars and a second-half goal by Tianee Esaki eliminated the pink-shirted Gurlz, 3-1,
Karla Asai scored in the first half to give the Kaua‘i Gurlz an early lead, Thursday.
But Alli Pascual and Khaya Pounao answered for the Lihu‘e Shooting Stars and a second-half goal by Tianee Esaki eliminated the pink-shirted Gurlz, 3-1, from the playoff rounds of the American Youth Soccer Organization, Region 940, Under 12 Girls playoffs at the North Vidinha fields.
Two other Under 12 Girls games saw the Kaua‘i Strikers coached by Concetta Ijima roll over the Kalaheo team coached by Tony Garma, 9-0 in a single game at the Kalawai Field.
Bailey Kaneakalau spearheaded a second-half attack with two goals as Real Waimea nipped the Koloa Thunder 2-0 following a strong defensive first half.
Kaneakalau’s foot was true from near midfield with a long bomb to light up the scoreboards in the third quarter. Her final goal came on a rocket in the fourth period.
The Gurlz were not without opportunities as Tailee Tangonan outpaced a pair of Stars’ defenders down the right wing in the third period and a follow-up shot-on-goal by Asai came up short as the ball dribbled out of bounds before the forward could pull the trigger.
With the win, the Shooting Stars advance to meet the Koloa Thunder at Kalawai field, Saturday.
The Kaua‘i Strikers will meet Real Waimea at the North Vidinha fields and Waimea-Applegate will host the Lihu‘e Shining Stars in Waimea.
All games start at 11 a.m.
