HONOLULU – The Chaminade University men's soccer team on Tuesday faced off against the first of their island rivals in a non-conference tilt against Hawai'i Pacific University at Saint Louis Field.
The Silverswords and Sharks battled to a 1-1 draw, marking just the third all-time tie between the two longtime foes since the series began in 2006, a span of 35 matches. It was also the first draw between Chaminade and HPU since 2013.
The 'Swords are 0-3-1 on the season while the Shark are 1-3-1.
Chaminade struck first in the eighth minute when
Ryan Anderson (Carlsbad, Calif./Cal State Monterey Bay/San Marcos HS) forced a turnover on a Sharks player, making a touch pass to
Owen Caba (West Linn, Ore./West Linn) who in turn split two defenders with a pass of his own to
Owen Malone (Carlsbad, Calif./Univ. of Saint Katherine/Carlsbad HS). Malone then beat a defender and fired a shot from 15 yards out for his first career goal, giving the 'Swords a 1-0 lead.
But HPU answered in the 71st minute on Kelly Takara's goal via assist from Dennis Dinyer to square the game.
Both teams had opportunities for the go-ahead goal but the best chance came as time wound down. With just four seconds left,
Kala'i Duncan (Kapolei, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Kamehameha-Kapalama) got a loose ball in front the HPU net and fired a shot from eight yards out which seemed destined for back of the net and HPU goalkeeper Connor Margo out of position. However, a Sharks defender was at the right place at the right time and made a kick-save before the ball could cross the line, saving the potential game-winning shot.
Chaminade attempted 14 shots, five on-goal while HPU took 12 shots, four on target. Anderson, Caba, Malone and
Kainoa Carpenter (Kahului, Maui, Hawai'i/Kamehameha-Maui) each took two shots for the 'Swords. Takara led all shot-takers with five.
Brandon Yasue (Honolulu/Kaiser) made three saves for Chaminade while Margo made three stops.
The Silverswords will face their other island rival Thursday in their final non-conference match at Hawai'i Hilo on the Big Island. Kickoff is slated for 12:30 p.m.
