WAIPAHU, Hawai'i – Sixth ranked Simon Fraser spoiled the home opener for the Hawai'i Pacific University men on Saturday afternoon, taking a 2-1 victory in the game at the Waipio Soccer Complex.
 
The Sharks (0-2-2) pressured No. 6 Clan (5-0-0) all 90 minutes, but couldn't get the equalizer in the tightly played match.
 
"We played well against a great opponent," said HPU head coach Chris Fisher. "We had a brief let down right after we scored and it probably was the difference in the game."
 
The game was scoreless for the first 42 minutes when the Sharks collected their only goal in the 43rd minute.
 
Using a strong passing attack, HPU's Josch Cuerten delivered to Divin Fula Luzolo who slipped Sven Koenig the ball even with the Clan's attacking keeper Brandon Watson. Koenig toed it past Watson then deposited the ball for a quick 1-0 lead on his fourth goal of the season.
 
However the only NCAA member from Canada didn't take long to even the score.
 
Using an attack on the kickoff, SFU got the ball to Mamadi Camara down the left side. Camara crossed it to Riley Pang who put it in for his first goal of the year just 30 seconds later.
 
The match remained even until the second half when SFU grabbed the lead in the 56th minute.  That's when the Clan's Camara recovered a blocked pass and found an opening in the middle of the field. He drilled a shot to the back post from 30 yards out for the decisive goal.
 
SFU's Watson collected three saves on the game, including one in the 86th minute when Shark Christian Porras recovered a block of his own first shot, then fired a second that was gloved.
 
HPU ended non-conference play with the loss to the West Region's top-ranked team. The Sharks play again next Thursday in Oakland, Calif., as they visit Holy Names to open Pacific West Conference play.
 
+++ HPU +++