LIHUE — Kapaa High School’s varsity boys soccer team defeated Kauai High, 2-nil, Saturday afternoon at Vidinha Stadium. “I’m hoping that going into the next round of games that this is a portend of things to come — that they
LIHUE — Kapaa High School’s varsity boys soccer team defeated Kauai High, 2-nil, Saturday afternoon at Vidinha Stadium.
“I’m hoping that going into the next round of games that this is a portend of things to come — that they can start putting things together,” said Warriors head coach Kevin Cram. “Putting the ball in the net was one of our challenges. The fact that we were able to score, though we had other opportunities, that’s a good sign.”
Warriors junior midfielder Clifton Oliver scored the match’s opening goal right before halftime. He found the net from inside the penalty area at the 36th minute. Senior forward Caleb Neuman had the assist.
Senior midfielder Eljay Camat scored at the 61st minute to widen Kapaa’s lead. He got a rebound inside the penalty area and put it past the Red Raiders’ goalkeeper.
“I think being able to get the ball through the defenders and to our forwards, we haven’t had that opportunity in the last two matches,” Cram said. “With this match, we did. That’s what made the difference.”
Red Raiders junior midfielder Noah Sasil had a chance at an equalizer at the 60th minute. His shot went straight to the Warriors goalie.
At the 73rd minute, Kauai High had a corner kick from the near side, but nothing came of it.
“Kapaa played a good game. Both teams teams played a good game. Just when you don’t have subs, we were really shortsighted today,” said Red Raiders head coach Mark Brandeburg. “On a day like today in this heat, it takes its toll. … (It happened) to both teams, but they had more fresh legs than we did. Give them the hats off. They’re a very quick transitioning team.”
Kauai junior Rhylen Yadao-Purisima, who is usually a midfielder, started at goalkeeper. He had a number of saves for Kauai High up until Oliver’s goal right before halftime.
“Our goalkeeper played phenomenal,” Brandeburg said about Yadao-Purisima. “Our goalkeeper couldn’t be here today. He stepped up.”
Kapaa (1-1-1 KIF) will next play at Island School on Tuesday at 4 p.m. Kauai (0-3-0 KIF) will play Waimea at 5 p.m. Wednesday at Vidinha Stadium.
