It wasn’t exactly the performance Riley Alcos was looking for, but Makua Lani was as stingy as ever in getting another step closer to where it wants to go.
It wasn’t exactly the performance Riley Alcos was looking for, but Makua Lani was as stingy as ever in getting another step closer to where it wants to go.
Akari Shimizu scored two goals, including on a penalty kick, and the Lions’ beat Honokaa 3-0 in the BIIF Division II third-place game on Thursday at Old Kona Airport Park, moving one win away from a berth in the HHSAA tournament.
Seeking a second consecutive trip to states, the Lions (4-8) will host Kauai’s Island School at 1 p.m. Saturday in an HHSAA play-in game.
“I like playing Honokaa because they come out and play hard, but I think we took them for granted a little bit after a fast start,” Alcos said. “But I like to look at the positive, and there were some really good moments, so we’ll focus on that and what we can work on.”
One positive all season for Makua Lani has been the play of its battle-tested defense. Jewel Stroud had a goal and Brianne Lauro recorded the shut out of the Dragons (4-8) as Lions allowed a goal or less for the seventh time this season, finishing the BIIF campaign with as many goals scored (21) as allowed.
Even in going a combined 0-7 against the four teams competing for BIIF titles Friday – Hilo, Waiakea, Kamehameha and Hawaii Prep – Makua Lani’s back line held strong, allowing only 13 goals.
“I train the girls to play two of three different formations,” Alcos said. “We start each game the same way and make adjustments according to how the other teams play.”
The Lions’ versatility could prove advantageous considering scouting reports on Island School are thin.
“I’ve heard they’re physical and I’ve heard they are strong,” Alcos said. “In the end, soccer is soccer.”
Boys
Hilo 5, Honokaa 2
The Vikings got goals from Kalei Tolentino-Perry, Logan Mizuba, Riley Patterson, Kainalu Lewis and Jack Mann to improve to 8-3.
Yo Bostwick and Daneau Domingo scored in each half for the Dragons (1-8-2).