HONOLULU – The Chaminade University men's soccer team opened their 2024 regular season Saturday with a 2-0 defeat to in-state rival University of Hawai'i Hilo in a non-conference match at Saint Louis Field.
Owen Malone (Carlsbad, Calif./Univ. of Saint Katherine/Carlsbad HS) attempted four of the Silverswords' 12 shots on the afternoon. Ruben Aguinaga (Chula Vista, Calif./San Diego Christian College/Montgomery HS),
Ian Garcia (Chula Vista, Calif./Cuyamaca College/Meter Dei HS) and
Oliver Horgan (Reno, Nev./Cal Poly Humboldt/Galena HS) each took two shots.
The 'Swords (0-1) were tagged with an early foul inside the box, allowing UH Hilo's Shudai Ito to convert the penalty kick in the fourth minute.
The Vulcans (2-0) led at the break then got an insurance goal in the 66th minute from Kanata Taira.
An early injury to CUH starting goalkeeper
Jonah Valmonte (Poolesville, Md./Robert Morris University/Poolesville HS) prior to the penalty kick allowed reserve
Kili Chappell (Wailuku, Maui, Hawai'i/Stanislaus State/Baldwin HS) to make his collegiate debut. Chappell, a junior, played his first career minutes in goal after spending the past two seasons at Stanislaus State without recording a second and recorded five saves.
UH Hilo's Christian Souza saved five shots to earn the win.
The Silverswords return to action Thursday against Stanislaus State at Saint Louis Field. Kickoff is set for noon.
