Irvine, CA — The Hawai'i Pacific University (HPU) men's soccer team wrapped up their 2024 season on a high note with an exciting 2-1 victory against Concordia University Irvine (CUI) at Golden Eagles Field. This final game brought HPU's season record to 5-12-0 overall and 4-7-0 in PacWest play, while CUI ended their season at 6-7-2 overall and 4-5-2 in conference.
Game Recap: Late Heroics Secure the Win
HPU struck first in the 29th minute when Kelly Takara found the back of the net for his third goal of the season. The Sharks maintained their 1-0 lead heading into halftime, showcasing disciplined defense and strategic play.
CUI equalized in the 53rd minute with a goal by Dylan Graham, assisted by Marcus Ozmai and Ryan Smith, making it 1-1. The match remained intensely competitive, with both teams pushing for the lead.
The defining moment came in the 87th minute when Jude Boyd scored his first goal of the season, assisted by Kelly Takara, to put HPU ahead 2-1. The Sharks held their ground in the final minutes to secure the victory.
Team Statistics
- Shots: HPU recorded 10 total shots, with 6 on goal, while CUI had 14 shots, 5 of which were on target.
- Saves: Both teams' goalkeepers made 4 saves each.
- Corner Kicks: CUI led with 7 corner kicks compared to HPU's 2.
- Fouls: HPU committed 11 fouls, and CUI had 10.
Key Takeaways
The season finale showcased HPU's determination and resilience, with Kelly Takara playing a pivotal role by scoring and assisting the game-winning goal. The late effort by Jude Boyd highlighted the team's grit and ability to perform under pressure.
Final Score: Hawai'i Pacific University 2, Concordia University Irvine 1