After posting the program's first winning season in 2018, the encore proved to be even better for the Chaminade University men's soccer team.
Getting solid performances throughout the year, the Silverswords silenced doubters who called them one-hit wonders by posting their winningest season in program history with a 9-6 record. With 21 points and a 7-4 ledger in the Pacific West Conference, the 'Swords finished tied for fourth in the conference, the team's highest league finish since becoming an intercollegiate program in 2006.
"I'm proud of this team for how they came together and battled through adversity," said
Jayson Abe who, after four years as head coach, stepped down in November and departs as the program's all-time winningest coach with 23 wins.
"This team owns the record for most come-from-behind wins in a season," he continued, in reference to five victories in which the 'Swords either trailed or faced second-half ties.
Most important to Abe is how the Silverswords own the state bragging rights against the two other local teams, Hawai'i Pacific University and the University of Hawai'i Hilo. The 'Swords are 4-0 in the past two seasons in league contests against their island rivals, capturing the men's soccer competition of the annual PacWest Hawai'i Challenge.
"We've been the best team in Hawaii for two years in a row, having back-to-back winning seasons and a top four finish in league play," Abe said. "This demonstrates our success in last season was not a fluke."
This year's team finished as the most proficient offensive squad in program history, setting new single season records in points (64), points per game (4.57), goals (25) and goals per game (1.79) with 14 assists which was just one shy of the team's single-season record.
Individually,
Curtis Coburn (Huntington Beach, Calif./Huntington Beach) and
Noah Mokulehua (Waimanalo, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Kaiser) repeated as All-PacWest Third Team honorees. Coburn was honored a third time, becoming just the second Silversword as a three-time all-conference selection.
Coburn, along with
Davin Garma (Kalaheo, Kaua'i, Hawai'i/Kamehameha-Kapalama),
Isaiah Kuloloia (Mililani, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Mililani),
Micah Mokulehua (Waimanalo, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Kaiser) and
Joshua Wong (Aiea, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Maryknoll), were all part of Abe's first recruiting class in 2016, helping the program grow into a contender.
Coburn wrapped up his career tied for fourth in the program's all-time goals list while he and elder Mokulehua both finished with 16 career points which is tied for fifth.
Two seniors who came from the junior college ranks were also critical to the team's success.
Reece Hambly (Birmingham, England/Scottsdale CC/Hagley HS) had five goals and two assists while
Michael Stafford (Honolulu/Kalani) was one of the conference top goalkeepers, setting program career records in wins (14), goals against average (1.61) and saves percentage (.733).
Another JUCO transfer,
Colin Roemer (Cologne, Germany/Barton CC/Wirtschaftgymnasium Westerburg), had a memorable season with seven goals, one shy of the single season record in his debut season for Chaminade as did
Taka Kosins (Honolulu/Colorado Mesa/Kalani HS) who had two goals and two assists.
"It's been an absolute honor and privilege to coach these guys."
