Box Score KANEOHE, HI (October 9, 2014) – The Hawai'i Pacific Men's Soccer Team (6-4-1, 4-1) came back with a 4-3 win over Dixie State University (1-6-1, 1-3) in an action loaded game on Thursday afternoon.
 
The Sharks stuck early in a thrilling match. Just three minutes into the game, Mark Thomson sent a pass through the DSU defense, finding Mario Garcia who grabbed the early lead for the Sharks.
 
Following, the Sharks were trying to make the big play but the Red Storm did not allow HPU to take control over the game. Instead, it was the Red Storm who had several good shots that either went high or could be saved by keeper Eduardo Palacios.
 
However, in the 28th minute, Jorge Vela sent a steep pass from the midfield inside the box where goal-getter Brais Garcia was waiting to put it away.
 
The Red Storm responded promptly with a shot on the goal that was just deflected back inside the box by the keeper. The DSU offense gratefully accepted the second chance and scored to make it 2-1 (30').
 
The rest of the first period presented a tough battle in the midfield and more good shots from both teams.
 
After the changeover, DSU came out fast, trying to tie the game. In the 55th minute, a through ball from just outside the box found a DSU player who fired the ball low into the net (54').
 
Eight minutes later (63'), the Red Storm managed to grab a lead with a spectacular lob over the goalie after a throw-in from the left side.
 
The Sharks responded quickly. Just seconds after the Red Storm scored, Jackson Groves scored a beautiful header goal after a free kick from Erik Kemsies (64').
 
The Sharks kept on fighting for the win. It was Grooves, again, who finally put a corner kick from Kemsies away in the 72nd minute, bringing the victory to the Sharks.
 
"We are surviving with a limited roster every game. It is incredible how many players we have out every game. Whoever steps on the field is doing what it takes to win. It makes us a complete team when everyone can contribute. Kemsies and Jackson were instrumental in leading the team to victory today," said Head Coach Chris Fisher after the game.
 
The stats show an advantage in shots for the Sharks (16-14) and a slight advantage for DSU in shots on goal (11-10). Kemsies led the statistics with three shots on the goal. HPU's keepers Palacios and Alexander Berntsen, who made his debut this season in the second period, had four saves each.
 
The Sharks will play their next game on Saturday, October 9th, against California Baptist University at Waipio Peninsula Soccer Park. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.