HILO – The Hawai'i Pacific University men's soccer team, earned their first victory of the season 2-1 at UH Hilo on Saturday afternoon at Vulcan Soccer Field.
 
The Sharks (1-2-2) gutted out a chippy matchup with the Vulcans (1-3-1) that featured six yellow cards and a red card.
 
After not finding the net on Hawai'i's first four shots, graduate midfielder Gerrit Arzberger buried an unassisted goal and took a 1-0 lead in the first half.
 
After the intermission, things heated up, with UH Hilo picking up the second yellow card of the game in the 45th minute and another in the 70th minute. HPU responded in the 76th minute with a goal by forward Austin Stafford assisted by graduate forward Makana Srivongsana. Stafford's goal was his second in his past two games.
 
Hilo did not back down as they found some momentum leading to a goal with eight minutes left to pull within one.
 
In the final five minutes, HPU picked up three yellows and a last red card but grabbed the win 2-1.
 
The Sharks return to O'ahu for their last non-conference matchup with Chaminade on Tuesday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. following the women's game at Waipio Soccer Complex.