KAILUA-KONA — Down but never out. Trailing but never panicked.
It turns out, HPA (1-0) might just be more comfortable when they’re playing from behind with something to prove.
The cardiac Ka Makani struck again on Wednesday, using a pair of late goals from Conor Hunt to stun Makua Lani 2-1 in a game the Lions (0-1) led for the majority of the afternoon.
“We play until the final whistle. We are always fighting,” HPA senior goalkeeper Zane Willman said. “We never lost faith and knew we were in it. We just had to keep pushing.”
HPA came into the game fresh off winning its own preseason tournament — the Ka Makani Classic — coming out victorious in their final two games on penalty kicks. The championship against Kamehameha featured a pair of late second half goals that forced the extra time before HPA pulled it out on PKs.
The experience of playing in some tight games helped HPA against Makua Lani, but it also took some time to get their legs going.
“There were some tired bodies this week,” HPA head coach James Berry said. “After that weekend, it was hard to do any on-field tactical work. It was a few really tired training sessions and a lot of stretching, keeping them loose.”
Ka Makani returned to Division II this year after spending two years at the D-I level, winning a pair of BIIF titles and a state crown. In their time away, Makua Lani — the BIIF D-II runner-up last year — transformed from an occasional pesky little brother into a full-grown rival.
“They came out real strong and aggressive,” Berry said. “They put us on our back foot most of the first half. But we were able to make some tactical adjustments at half and put some pressure on.
“We are lucky have enough true soccer players where there is no need for a puppet master. They know exactly what they need to do.”
Many of the players on both teams play club soccer together, so there were plenty of hugs and lighthearted ribbing going on after — and even during — the game. But for the coaches, the familiarity made the game a major challenge.
“It was a tactical chess match,” Berry said. “There’s never a stranger playing against a stranger. It’s a stressful game for coaches but a great game to watch.”
With the BIIF’s Division II being touted as a three-horse race early between HPA, Makua Lani and Kamehameha-Hawaii, the season-opening win is big for Ka Makani. When the playoffs roll around, the No. 2 versus No. 3 seed game will essentially be an elimination game for an HHSAA tournament spot, with the BIIF only receiving two state berths. It helps them control their destiny in hopes of getting the top seed in the league’s postseason.
The BIIF’s Division II is a powerhouse at the state level, bringing home the title to the Big Island five out of the last eight years. On a few occasions, the BIIF final has even served as a preview for the state championship. There’s a long way until the teams get to that point, but it was important for Berry to see his team start out on the right foot.
“It’s a boost for the boys when they look at the standings,” Berry said. “We have to get up for these divisional games.”
Berry credited his team’s depth for the victory, being able to swap bodies in and out in scorching sun at Old Kona Airport Park. He specifically pointed out the efforts of senior Harry Kim — no relation to the mayor — who always enters the game with a major motor, providing a spark.
“He brings pure energy, love and commitment to the game,” Berry said. “You never have to worry about getting him ready to go. If it’s for 10 seconds or an hour — he’s always ready.”
Makua Lani’s Isaiah Easley scored the opening goal of the match, taking advantage of a bounce with a beautiful shot. Just moments earlier, he had been tripped up by Willman on what looked to be a breakaway scoring chance, resulting in a yellow card for the Ka Makani keeper. The free kick went straight into the wall, but it pulled Willman out of the net momentarily because of the card. Easley scored just seconds later.
Back in net after the goal, Willman had to refocus.
“I’ve improved technically and physically, but I’ve really come a long way mentally,” said Willman, who’s a towering figure in the net. “I’ve got to thank my dad for that. We play ping-pong and he always messes with me with his mind games. It’s helped me improve my mental edge on the field.”
Willman did his part, as did the rest of the Ka Makani to pull out another nail-biter.
“We have a lot of players that work really well together,” Willman said. “This team feels like a family.”
