‘Where is your No. 10?’

Kehela Ventura was beyond excited to have the opportunity to see the United States Women’s National Team play live, said Aulia Ventura.

“Kehela Ventura is the ultimate fan of all things soccer,” Aulia said in an email. “She plays soccer, referees both the Hawaii Youth Soccer Association, and the men’s soccer league, and follows the USWNT games and players religiously. She excited to have the opportunity to see them play, live.”

But a prior commitment saw Kehela miss the team’s public training session Saturday on Oahu.

“When she heard they were unable to play the match due to unsafe field conditions, she was heartbroken,” Aulia said. “Her family had traveled to Oahu the day before, and Kehela still flew to Oahu on Sunday, joining her family who was determined to make the most of the situation, and try to catch a glimpse of the players.”

As luck would have it, the Ventura family was staying at the same hotel as the team, and on a free moment, Kehela’s sister Makalapua saw Jill Ellis, USWNT head coach, sitting at a table. She considered approaching the table when Carli Lloyd walked past.

“Kehela’s jaw dropped,” Aulia said. “She took a chance and followed her into the coffee shot. She and her sister nervously approached the World Cup soccer legend and gave her a hug and asked for a photo. Carli Lloyd graciously agreed, and even joked with Kehela who was wearing soccer player Tobin Heath’s jersey No. 17.”

Carli Lloyd asked Kehela, “Where’s your No. 10?” and also apologized for not playing.

Kehela’s dad spotted two other players — Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris — who stopped to chat with Kehela and Makalapua, but were unable to have photos taken with the elated girls.

Both said they were sorry about the game cancelation, adding they had both been to Kauai and love the island.

“Kehela counts herself lucky and will always remember that day,” Aulia said. “She still hopes to one day see them play in person and dreams of playing soccer on a higher level herself.”