KAILUA-KONA — The more things change, the more they stay the same. Another year has passed and players have come and gone, yet the boys BIIF Division I soccer tournament has been a model of consistency over the last few years.
The Waveriders took down west side rival Konawaena 3-0 in the BIIF semifinals for the third year in a row on Wednesday, setting up a fourth consecutive showdown with Hilo for the championship.
Kealakehe (12-0-2) dominated the possession time as the Wildcats (7-6-1) elected to stay on defense and were rarely able to venture across midfield with the ball.
“This is the third time this season that a team parked the bus on us,” said Kealakehe head coach Urs Leuenberger. “Against Makua Lani, we figured out how to crack it and now against Konawaena, it was just a matter of time. It was just a matter of being patient, not getting negative, and not getting frustrated. Eventually the bus had to leave. Mission accomplished”
Saturday’s final will be held at Kealakehe High School at 7 p.m. The Vikings and Waveriders will follow the D-II championship at 5 p.m. and the D-II third place game at 3 p.m.
“We have already played (Hilo) once this year and we are looking forward to playing them again. It is going to be a great game,” Leuenberger said. “Hopefully it will be a memorable BIIF final.”
The Waveriders scored twice before the break, with both goals coming late in the first half, and then added one goal early in the second half for the victory.
Kealakehe had many opportunities to score throughout the game but were stifled on many occasions by the fast reflexes and smart play of Konawaena goal keeper Anthony Ward. Ward played a spectacular game despite the score, recording double-digit saves before the Waveriders were finally able to break through.
That breakthrough came in the final eight minutes of the first half on a corner kick. The kick was set up by a near score from the leg of Yuki Lavoie, who sent a floater in from 35 yards out. The ball began its downward decent and was heading into the top of the net, just under the crossbar, before Ward was able to deflect the ball at the last second.
On the ensuing corner, a perfect kick by Laukoa Santos found the head of Isaiah Geliga, who pushed the ball past the diving Konawaena keeper for a 1-0 advantage.
The second Kealakehe score came less than three minutes later on a shot no one saw coming. Controlling the ball, a Waverider player passed to the back line where Ari Mench waited patiently. However, instead of setting up another play, like he had done all game long, Mench decided to sent a shot screaming toward the net from midfield. The ball started high and dropped just over the reach of Ward and into the top-center of the net.
“I saw that the keeper was off his line and none of my players were really open so I just took my shot and it was over his head and in,” Mench said. “It was my first time (making this shot). Usually the goalie is on his line and this time he wasn’t so I decided to punish him.”
Kealakehe added a third goal early in the second half. The Waveriders took the ball inside the six and Josh Lopez pushed it past the keeper for the score.
Though they would not score again, Kealakehe continued to pour on shots until the final whistle. The Wildcats managed only a couple of shots, making it an easy day for Waverider keeper Greyson Moore, who added another shutout to his resume.
For Konawaena, the season ends in a familiar fashion but they were able to put up a much stronger showing against the Waveriders in what would be their final game of the season.
The Waveriders won the regular season BIIF title, and have already clinched a berth into the HHSAA tournament.
“We came in with a game plan to play a defensive strategy we likened it to the Spartans by keeping it tight and keeping everyone in position, waiting for our opportunity,” Wildcat assistant coach Tom Fernandez said. “Our best wishes to Kealakehe. We know they are going to represent the Big Island well.”