WAIPAHU, OAHU — The three-day Hawaii Youth Soccer Association (HYSA) Memorial Day Cup did not disappoint as youth soccer teams from Kauai, Maui, Oahu and the Big Island converged at the Waipio Soccer Complex on Oahu for the exciting tournament.
Affirming their recent U10 win at the Big Island HYSA Championships in Kona three weeks ago, the Kona Crush U10 soccer team once again emerged triumphant on Monday in a thrilling display of youthful exuberance and raw talent — beating Oahu’s AYSO United 6-2 for the championship trophy.
“I’m so proud of this group,” said Thomas Croke, director of coaching for Kona Crush. “Where we came in a year and half ago to where they are now — the development and their progress — I’m just really proud of them. I think winning that Big Island league a couple weeks back really set them up, and they followed that up nicely with this Memorial Day win. I’m so, so proud of them!”
The Kona squad began their trek to the championship round on Saturday starting off with a 10-2 win over Kauai’s Braveheart FC, followed by a tie (2-2) with Oahu’s AYSO United. After a day off on Sunday, the young Crush team faced a pivotal semifinal match Monday morning that would determine their fate in the tournament. Kona Crush bested Oahu’s Hawaii United FC winning 3-1, which earned them a noon rematch with Oahu’s AYSO United for the title.
Despite having to withstand the midday heat, this remarkable team of nine budding stars ranging from age 8 to 10 years, entered the pitch knowing that this was their chance to make a statement — to prove they were worthy of competing off-island and winning.
While the pressure was palpable with some nail-biting moments, the team fought hard and persevered, rising to the occasion with an emphatic victory — laying claim to the U10 Memorial Day Cup Championship trophy.
“I don’t think Crush has won a competition here on Oahu in a couple of years,” Croke said. “It’s a great habit to be in because we bring kids here at age 13 or 14 and they are in awe of the competition. But if we could bring these kids over here at age 9 or 10 and show them that we can compete with the neighbor islands, it just fills them with confidence going forward. Winning is a great habit to be in.”
The journey to the end-of-season double championship wins — Big Island HYSA and HYSA Memorial Day Cup — was a beautiful display of progression. Last spring, this very same Crush team lost every match in the Big Island HYSA league, followed by winning half of their games in the fall, and then losing only one game this spring season. Croke felt the team’s consistent progress over the last 18 months is truly a reflection of their commitment to the sport — as individuals and as a team.
“I think a lot of them came in as individuals,” said Croke, who is from Waterford, Ireland, and played professionally for Waterford United. “They all brought different characteristics and traits into this team. Then they started to gel together as a team — one whole unit that moves and defends and attacks together — it’s just fantastic to watch. To show that level of ability at U10 is definitely a bright future for these kids and for the club.”
Kona Crush’s victory stands as a powerful reminder of the magic and joy that sports can bring, even at such tender ages. One also cannot overlook the pivotal role played by “Coach Thomas,” whose expert guidance inspired these young players to reach their full potential. When asked what advice he would give to upcoming youth soccer players, Croke didn’t hesitate.
“Always listen to your coach. Always believe in yourself. I think soccer is such a mental game — as all sports are — but definitely have a strong set of beliefs, and play as hard as you can with your teammates every week.”
The traveling roster was made up of Noah Namahoe, Nailah Edayan, Ayden Marumoto, Kua Santiago, Reef White, Noah Davis, Brayden Ching, Wyatt Hill and Cole Henderson.
