Boys Defeat Mililani, 5-2
It took two four year high school generations to do it, but after nine years of close, but no cigar soccer championships, the boys finally broke through last night, defeating a strong #2 seed Mililani team 5-2.
The title was 'Iolani's eighth in the history of ILH/State soccer competition. It came at the end of a Sherman-like march through the tattered ranks of the OIA as the Raiders swept by Roosevelt, Kapolei and Mililani by two, three and four goal margins.
The game was close in the first half as each team scored twice, but the Raiders caught fire in the second half scoring three unanswered goals. Scoring goals for 'Iolani were Jordan Lee, who had two, Nick Goo, who was named the tournament MVP, and who also scored twice, and Patrick Shimoko.
In addition to Goo, 'Iolani placed four other players on the All-tournament team: Keith Lum, Brock Granger, Reid Sakamoto and Lee.
Man (and Photographer) on the Scene
by Al Linsky
For the 4,000 fans who filled Waipio Stadium braving cold, wind, but thankfully no rain, the evening ended with the reward that this team has worked so hard for all season.
The road to the finals started out with Roosevelt in the quarter finals. This game was a pretty big mismatch as the game OIA team looked almost befuddled by the blazing speed of the Raiders. The final score was 4-0 and with a little bit of luck the differential could have been much higher. Goals were scored by Marcus Joy, Jordan Lee and Nick Goo (2).
Then it was a good Kapolei team in the semifinals that tried to topple the Raiders. Kapolei did a much better job of handling the speed and execution of the Raiders but the 3-1 final score told the story. Goals were scored by Brock Granger, Keith Lum and Souichi Wood.
Number 2 seed, Mililani, reached the finals by beating Kalaheo 3-0, then Punahou in a two overtime, PK thriller, 2-1. Mililani had some excellent speed up front, good balance, and talent. It would be a good match.
Jordan Lee got the Raiders on the board at 13:17. The Trojans answered at 17:27 with a goal by Ryan Yoneda. With this goal the Trojans sent the message loud and clear: This would be a battle!
Jordan notched his second goal on a nice cross by Nick Goo at 22:12. Trojan Aaron Yokoyama got that one back at 27:32 to knot the game at 2-2 going into the break.
The second half, though, was all Raiders as they dialed up the intensity a notch. This time it was Nick Goo's turn to get two, the first at 45:37 and the second at 62:23. Patrick Shimoko put the final exclamation point on this masterpiece at 67:54 for the 5-2 win and a HHSAA State Championship.
Special congratulations go to Keith Lum, Brock Granger, Jordan Lee and Reid Sakamoto for being named to the All-Tournament Team.
Nick Goo, who seemed to be everywhere making good play after good play, was named Most Outstanding Player.
To see more photos, please visit iolani-events.org.
Boys Varsity Soccer Makes it to State Finals, 3-1
Feb. 13, 2009
by Al Linsky
It was windy and cold at Waipio Stadium. There were also occasional showers making it somewhat uncomfortable for the Raider faithful.
The Raiders, though, continued their high level of play, moving the ball quickly and accurately which yielded them a huge ball control advantage.
The final score was 3-1 over a game Kapolei team, but this match really wasn't that close.
The Raiders held a 20-3 advantage in shots on goal and the Raiders' shots were much better than their counterparts'.
In the other semi-final, Mililani beat Punahou 2-1 in an overtime, shootout thriller.
The final, championship game between 'Iolani and Mililani will be at 7:00 p.m. at Waipio Stadium.
It should be a great game!
To see more photos, please visit iolani-events.org.
"They're the number one seed. They're really good. I don't think we had any match up problems, but their skill level is way higher than (that of the) OIA. That's the difference. In the OIA we can compete. In the ILH, I don't know. We're not up there yet."
