WAIPAHU, O'ahu, Hawai'i – After opening the season with two successful contests in Colorado, the Chaminade University men's soccer team played on O'ahu soil for the first time this season on Thursday.
However the return home was not as kind to the Silverswords who were dealt a 4-0 loss to Hawai'i Pacific University at Waipio Soccer Complex.
The Sharks got two goals from Luiz Garcia and two assists from Gerrit Arzberger to hand Chaminade its first loss of the season, snapping the 'Swords' program-record five-game winning streak dating back to last season. Their last loss came 11 months ago to Fresno Pacific before winning their final three games of 2018 and the first two this year.
Down 1-0 at the half, the 'Swords came within inches of knotting the score in the 51st minute.
Jamin Fonseca (Mililani, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Mililani) spun a defender around on the right side of the box and fired a shot towards the right post. Sharks' goalkeeper Jeremy Zielinski made a diving stop just inches shy of the goal line.
The near-miss seemed to have a deflating effect on the 'Swords. Minutes later, Garcia netted his second goal, making it 2-0. HPU added two more goals later in the half for the game's final margin.
After scoring three goals in each of their first two games, Chaminade was held of the net. Fonseca was the team's shot leader with two followed by one each from
Noah Mokulehua (Waimanalo, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Kaiser),
Taka Kosins (Tokyo, Japan/Colorado Mesa/Kalani HS) and
Tyler Ebisuya (Kaneohe, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Iolani).
Michael Stafford (Honolulu/Iowa Western CC/Kalani HS) was hit with a barrage of 17 HPU shots, making five saves in taking the loss. Zielinski picked up the win, making three stops.
The Silverswords will hope that returning to their home pitch will get them back in the winning column. The 'Swords make their home opener on Friday, Oct. 4 when they face Hawai'i Hilo in a non-conference matchup at Saint Louis Field. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m.
