HONOLULU – The Chaminade University men's soccer team on Saturday played their final home game of the 2024 season, absorbing a 3-1 defeat to in-city rival, Hawai'i Pacific University, at Saint Louis Field.
The Silverswords fell to 1-9-3 overall and 1-6-3 in the Pacific West Conference play while HPU is 4-10 overall and 3-6 in the conference.
Following the match, the 'Swords celebrated the careers of their seven seniors:
Ruben Aguiniga (Chula Vista, Calif./San Diego Christian College/Montgomery HS),
La'akea Gonsalves (Anahola, Kaua'i, Hawai'i/Kapa'a),
Zach McClellan (San Marcos, Calif./San Marcos),
Remo Merlo (Reno, Nev./Remo),
Cameron Rozsa (San Marcos, Calif./Univ. of Saint Katherine/Mission Hills HS),
Anthony Seedeen-Vargas (West Palm Beach, Fla./Keiser University/American Heritage HS) and
Evan Walters (Point Pleasant, N.J./Chestnut Hill College/St. Rose HS).
The Sharks put up two scores in the game's first three minutes before the 'Swords answered back in the 22nd minute. Rozsa, one of the seniors, scored his first goal of the year in his final game to whittle HPU's lead to 2-1.
Ian Garcia (Chula Vista, Calif./Cuyamaca College/Mater Dei HS) delivered the assist.
A back and forth second half had both teams looking for scoring opportunities. Chaminade took three shots in the second half, four shots total. The Sharks took 10 shots in the final 45 minutes, 18 overall.
HPU tacked on an insurance goal in the 89th minute.
Jonah Valmonte (Poolesville, Md./Robert Morris University/Poolesville HS) made three saves for the 'Swords in his final home game of the season.
The Silverswords will wrap up their season next Saturday at the University of Hawai'i Hilo. Kickoff at Vulcans Field is at 12:30 p.m.
