The University of Hawaii at Hilo’s road trip to Northern California turned into Groundhog Day for director of soccer Lance Thompson.
That’s half good, and half bad.
“More of the same,” Thompson said Monday. “If you missed the article in the paper the other day, you can just read this one.”
Here’s the good part of Thompson’s recurring day: Kristine Pasek notched her team-high fifth goal of the season as the Lady Vulcans beat Notre Dame de Namur 2-1 in Belmont, Calif.
Kassandra Talamantez added an insurance goal when her corner kick curled into the net in the opening minute of the second half.
The Vulcans (5-1-2, 2-0-1 Pacific West Conference) remained unbeaten in their past seven matches and finished a 3-0-1 trip.
In all three victories — each was decided by one goal — Thompson said UHH simply willed itself to victory.
“With four games in seven days, that’s a remarkable accomplishment,” Thompson said.
Pasek surpassed her 2013 goal total in the 27th minute on “one of the better goals we’ve seen in a long time,” Thompson said.
“She got the ball on the right, went at the defender, crossed the 18 and put it in the far corner.”
Kahri Golden collected an assist.
Massiel Castellanos scored on a second-half penalty kick for the Argonauts (2-6-0, 0-0-2), but goalkeeper goalkeeper Jenna Hufford stopped her five other chances.
The Vulcans were outshot 11-7.
Here’s the part of his never-ending day that Thompson could do without: The UHH men were shut out for the third consecutive match, falling 1-0 to the Argonauts.
The headline of a winless trip for the Vulcans (2-5-1, 0-3-0) was missed opportunities, Thompson said.
“It’s becoming a big challenge for us,” Thompson said. “Our inability to cash in, while other teams are finding a way.”
Jack Ewert scored in the second half for the Argonauts (3-4-1, 1-1).
UHH had a modest 10-8 advantage in shots.
The Vulcans return home to face Point Loma on Saturday. The 4:30 p.m. match marks the men’s home opener. The women play at 7 p.m.
Perhaps a change of scenery will change Thompson’s day.
“I’m ready to get on that plane (Tuesday),” he said.
