HONOLULU – In the rather brief 18-year history of Chaminade University women's soccer, the Silverswords have tended to step up their game against nationally ranked foes. However, the outcome would always be close defeats including several one-score losses and draws.
On Thursday, they managed to finish the deal.
Haley Mo'okini (San Gabriel, Calif./Gabrielino) scored twice while goalkeeper
Naomi Takata (Honolulu/Pearl City) withstood a barrage of shots as Chaminade stunned nationally-ranked Concordia University Irvine, 2-1, at Saint Louis Field, for their first-ever victory over a ranked program.
Chaminade handed the Golden Eagles, ranked No. 5 in the United Soccer Coaches Division II Top 25 Poll, their first Pacific West Conference loss of the season and first loss overall since Aug. 31, dropping them to 6-1-1 and 11-2-1 overall. CUI, coming off a big 2-1 win at Hawai'i Hilo in a battle of top 10 teams on Monday, also saw its 12-match undefeated streak come to an end.
The Silverswords, who earlier this season claimed a win over Point Loma, the No. 1-ranked squad in Wednesday's official NCAA West Region rankings, improved to 7-4-4 on the season and 5-2-2 in the PacWest. They were previously 0-6-2 against opponents in the national rankings.
The victory not only matched the program record for overall wins (set in both 2021 and 2022) but also guaranteed them a winning season for an unprecedented third straight year.
After a scoreless first half, a CUI foul in the 57th minute led to a free kick by Mo'okini from 45 yards out. The junior then launched a perfect shot that curled just under the crossbar and over the reach of Golden Eagles keeper Riley Urquiza for the game's first score.
In the 70th minute, Concordia was called for a foul inside the box, resulting in Mo'okini converting the subsequent penalty kick and a 2-0 'Swords' lead.
But the relentless Golden Eagles continued to apply pressure and finally got a goal in the 82nd minute.
However, the unflappable 'Swords continued to apply defensive pressure, forcing several errant CUI passes down the stretch to, ultimately, secure their first-ever win against a nationally ranked foe.
Mo'okini's two goals – her second multi-goal match this season – upper her total to seven, the second highest in single-season team history and two behind the record set by Caitlin Tatemichi set in 2017.
The sophomore defender took half of Chaminade's eight shots with
Shaley Mercado (Honolulu/Kaiser) firing away three more.
Clara Slate-Liu (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada/Ecolè Alpha Secondary) took the 'Swords' other shot.
CUI attempted 14 shots and took 10 corner kicks to CUH's one.
Takata made a season-high seven saves to earn her 25th career win. Urquiza made four saves for Concordia in taking the loss.
The Silverswords will end the season against another ranked foe against UH Hilo on Sunday, Nov. 12, which is also Senior Day. Kickoff at the Saint Louis pitch will be at 3 p.m.
