HONOLULU – The Chaminade University men's soccer team scored a 1-0 win Saturday over Biola University at Saint Louis Field on a ball that wasn't even intended to be a shot.
Jamin Fonseca (Mililani, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Mililani) attempted a crossing pass from 25 yards out from the left angle in the 30th minute. But the ball carried over a mass of Silverswords and Eagles players in front of the goal and sailed over the outstretched arms of Biola goalkeeper Luis Rodriguez which found the back of the net.
"My intention was to cross the ball but God was with me and luckily the ball slid into the net," Fonseca said about his boot.
Chaminade improved to 3-3-1 overall and 2-2-1 in the Pacific West Conference while Biola fell to 5-6-1 and 3-2. It's the second straight season the Silverswords have defeated the Eagles, beating them by the same score last year in La Mirada, Calif., which was also the first-ever meeting between the programs.
Amazingly, the 'Swords were able to scratch out the win with just three shots taken. Fonseca's goal was the only attempt by the home team in the first half and two taken by the sophomore midfielder.
Noah Mokulehua (Waimanalo, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Kaiser) had the other shot.
Chaminade also was forced to play a man down for the final 27 minutes after getting a red card. However picking up the slack were defenders
Curtis Coburn (Huntington Beach, Calif./Huntington Beach),
Lyric De Leon (Kapolei, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Grand Canyon/Kapolei HS),
Jared Rivera (Union City, Calif./Ohlone College/James Logan HS) and
Tasman Turner (Kailua, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Iolani). Their stellar defense allowed keeper
Michael Stafford (Honolulu/Iowa Western CC/Kalani HS) to record his second clean sheet of the season with three saves to his credit.
Chaminade's three shots were the fewest in a victory since September 22, 2007 when they also attempted three in a 1-0 win over Embry-Riddle.
The Silverswords return to the Saint Louis Field pitch Tuesday when they host Concordia Irvine at 10 a.m.
