The match was scoreless, but the University of Hawaii at Hilo achieved its first objective — forming a solid structure defensively — in the early-going against Chaminade.
The match was scoreless, but the University of Hawaii at Hilo achieved its first objective — forming a solid structure defensively — in the early-going against Chaminade.
“I turned to my assistant and said the game is playing into our hands,” director of soccer Lance Thompson said.
Or — to be specific — the feet of Jamie Sporcic. The junior striker quickly made good on his team’s second objective.
Sporcic scored on a breakaway Monday, Jake LaPorte tacked on another first-half goal and UHH was off to a 2-1 nonconference victory in Honolulu.
“This is exactly how we want to be playing,” Thompson said. “Play solid defensively, and then use transition to create opportunities.”
LaPorte buried a free kick from 35 yards out as the Vulcans (2-2) won their second straight match. LaPorte provided an offensive force at fullback, putting all six of his shots on frame.
“We’re getting dangerous,” Thompson said.
The Vulcans totalled more shots on goal (14) than the Silverwords (1-2) had shots (13) and 22 in all.
First-year Vulcans Sporcic (two goals), LaPorte (two) and Mike Weckmeyer (three) — each a transfer — have accounted for all of their team’s goals this season.
Thompson had to like the Pacific West Conference preview he saw on Oahu in two wins against conference rivals. UHH beat Hawaii Pacific 3-1 on Saturday
But he was disappointed the Vulcans allowed Chaminade to take advantage of a throw-in to cut the lead to 2-1 early in the second half. The Silverswords’ Austin Busch did the honors.
“Another goal off a restart,” Thompson said. “We’ve got to improve in that area. That’s the biggest thing we learned on Oahu.”
He continues to juggle his goalkeepers. Erick Lemus stopped two shots in the first half and Tyler Hoffman made three saves in the final 45 minutes.
UHH faces Cal State-Monterey Bay on Oct. 23 before starting league play.
Pasek bags honor
The Lady Vulcans’ Kristine Pasek earned PacWest co-Player of the Week.
The senior striker found the back of the net in both of UHH’s matches, including the game-tying goal Saturday at Hawaii Pacific.