Honolulu, HI- The 2009 season starts with a victory. Chaminade, sporting a deeper roster and a new attitude, put their stamp on the first game of the year, earning a hard-fought victory over the Pioneers of Upper Iowa by a score of 1-0 today at St. Louis Field.
Playing 17 men in a physical game that saw eight yellow cards, the Swords went into half time tied 0-0 with the Pioneers. Charles (Chad) Thompson found the back of the net in the 71st minute and the goal proved to be the difference as the Swords defended down the stretch to preserve the 1-0 victory.
Tony Varnava and Steve Kluck led the way with two shots a piece for Upper Iowa. Andy Youde made five saves in defeat for the Pioneers.
Darren Smith made 4 saves in the shutout win for CUH. Chaminade out-shot Upper Iowa 10-8.
With the win, Chaminade moves to 1-0. Upper Iowa falls to 1-2. Chaminade is off until September 11th against HPU in Hilo, HI for the Challenge Cup. That match is scheduled for a 2 PM start (HT).
