HONOLULU – The Chaminade University men's soccer team opened their regular season on Saturday with a non-conference meeting against in-state rival University of Hawai'i Hilo at Saint Louis Field.
The Silverswords dropped a hard-fought 1-0 decision to the Vulcans in the non-conference matchup, the 44th all-time meeting between the two programs, the most by the 'Swords against a single opponent.
UH Hilo (2-0) got its lone goal in the 18th minute by Kristijan Bandur after a pair of Vulcans made touch-passes inside the box.
The Silverswords played the final 49 minutes with a man-advantage after the UH Hilo goalkeeper was assessed a red card for picking up the ball well outside the Vulcans' own goal box. However, the 'Swords were unable to capitalize on the 11-vs.10 situation.
The 'Swords were able to get a handful of shots off in the contest, firing 15 total with
Mykah Harris (Fife, Wash./Utah Valley University/Fife HS),
Caleb Texeira (Pukalani, Maui, Hawai'i/Kamehameha-Maui) and
Chance Therrien (Charlotte, Vt./University of St. Thomas/Champlain Valley Union HS) each getting three looks at the net. Two of Harris' shots were on-goal.
Jonah Valmonte (Poolesville, Md./Robert Morris University/Poolesville HS) played the first 45 minutes, recording four saves while
James Boudiette (Tulsa, Okla./Jenks) saw the final 45 in goal, making two stops.
CUH also had the corner kick advantage with a 5-to-1 count.
The Silverswords face their other in-state rival, Hawai'i Pacific University, on Tuesday at Waipio Soccer Peninsula Stadium. It is the first of two non-conference meetings between the two Honolulu-based programs. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m.
