HANAPEPE — Justin Garma scored four goals for the Kalaheo Scrubs to force a playoff for the title of the American Youth Soccer Organization, Region 940 Boys 14 Under division, Wednesday. The Kalaheo Scrubs netted three second-half goals to ice
HANAPEPE — Justin Garma scored four goals for the Kalaheo Scrubs to force a playoff for the title of the American Youth Soccer Organization, Region 940 Boys 14 Under division, Wednesday.
The Kalaheo Scrubs netted three second-half goals to ice a 5-2 win over the Hanapepe Red Bulls.
“This was almost identical to their play-in game,” said Jane Garma, Justin’s mom, during the halftime when the score was deadlocked 2-2. “In the play-in, the Scrubs were down 3-0 before Justin scored four goals to advance the team.”
The Hanapepe Red Bulls opened with two goals, both from Noah Penner, for the early 2-0 lead.
But the Scrubs answered as Justin scored a goal, weaving through traffic into the wind at the Hanapepe Stadium.
As the minutes ticked down to the half, a Hanapepe miscue near the goalbox sent Justin to the line for a penalty kick, the ball rifling past the Red Bull goalkeeper into the far pocket for the halftime stalemate.
The Scrubs capitalized on the wind at their back, effectively keeping the ball in scoring range with defender Brock DeCosta leading the defensive effort by heading and charging the ball near midfield.
DeCosta’s lead in the strong defensive showing helped facilitate two more Justin goals, the first coming on a charge up the middle from about 20 yards out.
Two more quick goals sealed the deal in the final five minutes of play as Justin cranked his fourth, followed by Brayden Antonio taking a breakaway pass from Tyren Kaneshigo to rifle in the final goal within a minute of the final whistle.
The win by the Kalaheo Scrubs forces a playoff for the title after the Scrubs came up through the loser’s bracket.
That playoff will take place at 4 p.m., today at the Hanapepe Stadium for the Boys 14 Under title.
