HONOLULU – Austin Stafford's header in the 105th minute helped lift Hawai'i Pacific University to a 1-0 win over Chaminade University in the season-opener for both squads Saturday.
The game was played under unusual circumstances. That the COVID-19 pandemic delaying the start of the fall soccer season by over five months and no fans being allowed to attend was not unusual. Nor was the fact that the Silverswords were the visiting team.
What made it peculiar was the 'Swords were the visiting squad. On their own turf.
Because HPU's regular home field at Waipio Peninsula Soccer Stadium was closed to all recreational activity and its former home pitch of Atherton Field at their former Hawai'i Loa campus is deemed unplayable, the contest was moved to Chaminade's home pitch of Saint Louis Field with all administrative duties falling to HPU.
But once the kickoff began, all the logistics didn't matter and it was a typical 'Swords-Sharks contest with excellent strategy, ball control and the usual physicality and chippiness between the two Honolulu rivals.
With zeros on the board in the 105th minute, Yamamoto delivered a corner kick where Stafford elevated above everyone else and headed the ball into the net for the golden goal.
HPU took 14 shots, nine on-goal. Chaminade attempted five shots but was held without one in both overtime sessions.
'Swords' keeper
Brandon Yasue (Honolulu/Kaiser) defended the net admirably with eight stops in his first career start.
Jamin Fonseca (Mililani, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Mililani),
Takahiro Kosins (Tokyo, Japan/Colorado Mesa/Kalani HS),
Kelton Cheney (State College, Pa./Penn State/State College HS),
Tyler Ebisuya (Kaneohe, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Iolani) and
Lyric De Leon (Kapolei, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Grand Canyon/Kapolei HS) each took one shot for Chaminade.
Jeremy Zielinkski got the win for the Sharks, who defeated the 'Swords in a PacWest game for the first time since 2017.
The loss also spoiled the debut for Chaminade first year head coach
Paul Shimomoto.
The Silverswords will make their official home debut next Saturday when they host the University of Hawai'i Hilo in its season opener at Saint Louis Field.
