HHSAA Division II BOYS SOCCER: Kapaa Downs Hawaii Prep, Claims D-II Soccer Title

By Kyle Galdeira

Ikaika Fuerte notched two goals and an assist to lead fourth-seeded Kapaa over second-seeded Hawaii Prep 3-1 in the championship match of the Division II Hawaii High School Athletic Association/JN Automotive Group boys state soccer championships tonight at the Waipio Peninsula Soccer Complex’s main stadium.

Korey Tsubota scored in the match’s sixth minute from 25 yards out to put Big Island Interscholastic Federation champion Hawaii Prep up 1-0 early on.

But, Fuerte tied the score at one goal apiece in the 13th minute on a direct kick from 20 yards out after Hawaii Prep committed a foul just outside the penalty box.

Caleb Sarsona gave the Warriors (10-0-1) a 2-1 advantage in the 27th minute after taking a lead pass from Fuerte, outrunning the pursuing defense, and rocketing a shot past goalkeeper Bobby Stomski to put the Warriors up 2-1.

While Ka Makani (14-4-0) out-shot Kapaa 9-8 in the opening half, the Warriors’ efficiency and ability to execute on high-percentage shots resulted in the halftime advantage.

Fuerte gave Kauai Interscholastic Federation champion Kapaa some breathing room in the 50th minute as the senior blasted his second goal of the game from just outside the 18-yard box to put the Warriors up 3-1.

Kapaa is the second team in HHSAA history to claim the Division II crown after Mid-Pacific claimed the  inaugural title in 2008.