‘The Warriors are back!’: Boys soccer clinches spot at states
Photo by Jaylin Kekiwi
Sophomore Brennan Joaquin celebrates after the first goal of the night is scored by senior Daniel Quenga. The Warriors won the nail-biter of a match with a score of 2-1 and clinched a state berth.
In an exciting (and chilly) match against King Kekaulike High School, the Kamehameha Warriors emerged victorious with a tight score of 2-1 at the Nā Aliʻi stadium on Saturday, Jan. 26.
“The Warriors are back,” Head Coach Kimo Correa said. “We found our heart tonight; we were just looking for the right time.”
Nā Aliʻi and the Warriors were even for the first 45 minutes, playing a balanced game on both sides of the field.
With only ten minutes remaining in the first half, junior Colton Cabanas received a red card and left the game.
In the second half, things began to pick up. The first goal of the night was scored by senior Kamehameha’s Daniel Quenga within five minutes.
However, less than a minute later, Nā Aliʻi’s Brock Agonas tied the game up again.
Both teams took several shots on goal, keeping the fans in the stands at the edge of the bleachers. It wasn’t until five minutes before the clock ran out that junior Micah Alo sank the ball in the back of the net, pulling the Warriors into the lead once more.
From there, the Warriors managed to keep Nā Aliʻi from tying it up. The Warriors won, taking one of two MIL berths at the HHSAA state championships.
Baldwin High School has also secured a spot in the tournament.
“If we had tied the game, we still would have gone to States,” Quenga said. “But it’s good that we finally brought it all together and were able to win.”
The Bears have one more game to play this Wednesday against Saint Anthony, and the Warriors’ last game is next Saturday against D2 champions, Seabury Hall. With one point separating them in the MIL standings, a loss by either team will give the other the regular season championship. If both win, the Warriors will stay in the lead and take the league title.
Next Saturday’s game will be the last chance to see the boys in action before they head off to the state championship. Support them on Feb. 1 at 4 p.m. at Seabury Hall.
