Kamehameha boys soccer coach Mario Patino tweaked his lineup and got the desired effect – an offensive explosion by the Warriors’ standards.
Justin Kenoi, Buddy Betts and Israel Bowden provided instant offense with goals in their new roles Wednesday, sparking Kamehameha to a 3-1 victory against Makua Lani behind its season-high scoring output in a BIIF Division II match at Paiea Stadium in Keaau.
Kamehameha (2-4) had been good for about a goal a match, entering Wednesday with just six goals in five contests while playing in the rugged Red division.
“We’ve been working on some formation changes and we moved some players around to try and get more scoring opportunities,” Patino said. “The changes seemed to work.”
Kenoi, who scored in the 39th minute, moved up from sweeper to striker/midfield, Bowden (75th) also was bumped up from the back line, while Betts (72nd) looked as comfortable as he has all season.
Meanwhile, Patino said the Warriors didn’t lose anything defensively, with Kailikea Kekuawela filling in strong at sweeper.
“Actually, that’s about as good as we’ve looked back there,” Patino said.
Betts, a freshman, was responsible for the go-ahead goal after Riley Pries tied the match for the Lions (4-2) in the 61st minute.
Makua Lani missed on a chance to move into first place in the middle-tier White division.
It’s already guaranteed a playoff spot, though the race is on behind undefeated Hawaii Prep for the No. 2 seed, which earns a bye to the semifinals in the six-team playoffs.
Kamehameha leapfrogged D-II counterpart Honokaa to move into fourth place in the upper tier. Patino called being place in the Red division, along with HPA, Kealakehe and Hilo, a win-win
“It’s been great playing those teams, because we have to learn to play with mental toughness,” he said. “If we can continue to grow and take to our roles like we did today, we’ll be playing well for the playoffs.”
Girls
Kamehameha 2, Makua Lani 1
Hiwa Brown and Chenoa Federick scored in the first half in Keaau as the Warriors (6-0-1) remained unbeaten.
Akari Shimizu put the Lions (2-3) on the board with a goal in the 45th minute.
Tuesday
Boys
Konawaena 1, Honokaa 1
Kyren Martins’ early goal for the Dragons was equalized by one from Konawaena’s Logan Takizawa during a draw in Honokaa.
Girls
Konawaena 10, Honokaa 2
Nalani Wall scored four goals and Karenza Chavez, Nanea Wall and Jaymie Kunitomo each added two as the Wildcats rolled in North Hawaii.
Ana Hosek recorded each of the Dragons’ goals.
