HONOLULU – The Chaminade University men's soccer team got two goals from
Noah Mokulehua (Waimanalo, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Kaiser) including what turned out to be the game-winner Monday as the Silverswords defeated Fresno Pacific, 3-2, at Saint Louis Field.
The victory improved the Silverswords to 5-2 on the year and 3-0 in the Pacific West Conference for the first time in program history. It also marked their first-ever win over the Sunbirds after being 0-7 all-time against FPU prior to Monday. Fresno Pacific fell to 3-7 and 1-2.
Colin Roemer (Cologne, Germany/Barton CC/Wirstschaftgynmasium Westerburg), making just his second appearance after missing the previous three games with an injury, opened the scoring in the 22nd minute. A Sunbird back-tapped the ball back to his goalkeeper Patrick Timmer but Roemer got to the ball first, eluded Timmer's attempt at a kick save and made an easy tap-in for a 1-0 Chaminade lead.
Then with just 16 seconds left in the half,
Kelton Cheney (State College, Pa./Penn State/State College HS) made a head-pass towards the front of net where Mokulehua, despite being knocked down by an FPU player, headed the ball into the left-upper shelf. The goal gave Chaminade a 2-0 lead at halftime.
Fresno Pacific responded with a goal in the 74th minute but eight minutes later, the 'Swords got the score back.
Reece Hambly (Birmingham, England/Scottsdale CC/Hagley HS) found Mokulehua streaking down the left sideline at the midfield line. The sophomore then split two defenders inside the box and fired a roller into the net for a 3-1 lead for his first career multi-goal game.
FPU added a goal with just 13 seconds left but the 'Swords managed to play keep-away and ran out the clock.
Michael Stafford (Honolulu/Iowa Western CC/Kalani HS) made four saves to earn the win. Timmer had one save in absorbing the loss.
Mokulehua and Roemer, who was the NCAA leader in goals per game prior to his injury on Sept. 15, each now have five goals on the season and are co-leading the squad. Both took two shots each.
The Silverswords are back in action Saturday when they host Dominican at the Saint Louis pitch. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
