HILO, Hawai'i – The Chaminade University men's soccer team stepped off the Saint Louis Field pitch for the first time this season, facing interstate and Pacific West Conference rival University of Hawai'i Hilo on the Big Island in their final non-conference match of the season.
The Vulcans struck twice in the first 10 minutes to hang on a 2-0 win at UH Hilo Soccer Field.
The Silverswords fell to 0-4-1 on the season while the Vulcans improved to 3-2-0.
UH Hilo got the game's first goal four minutes in from Gabriel Gallardo then got a second six minutes later on a penalty kick.
After being held without a shot attempt through the first 39 minutes, the 'Swords managed to get off two looks at the net in the final six of the first half from
La'akea Gonsalves (Anahola, Kaua'i, Hawai'i/Kapa'a) and
Jordan Ponsar (Valley Stream, N.Y./Valley Stream).
Chaminade seemingly had its first goal in the 53rd minute but
Joseph Wren's (Kapolei, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Utah Valley/Kapolei HS) header that hit the back of the net was nullified by an offsides call.
Although the 'Swords had several looks during the second half – six in the final 45 minutes – none were able to connect as the team suffered its first shutout this season.
Brandon Yasue (Honolulu/Kaiser) got the start in-goal for the 'Swords before Jordan Valmonte (Poolesville, Md./Robert Morris University/Poolesville HS) was summoned late in the first half after Yasue was injured. Valmonte played the final 56 minutes, making four saves. UH Hilo's Adam Frank also made four saves in picking up the win.
Chaminade took eight shots in all with
Owen Malone (Carlsbad, Calif./Univ. of Saint Katherine/Carlsbad HS) and
Kaden Medeiros (Pukalani, Maui, Hawai'i/Western Oregon Univ./Kamehameha-Maui HS) leading the way with two each.
The Silverswords will head to the continent for a three-match Northern California road trip when they open PacWest action Monday at Fresno Pacific.
