HILO, Hawai'i – Kelly Takara scored Hawai'i Pacific's first goal of the 2026 season, but the Sharks fell to Hawai'i Hilo, 2-1, Thursday afternoon in the season opener at Vulcan Soccer Field.
The Vulcans opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Keita Goto found the back of the net to give Hawai'i Hilo a 1-0 advantage. HPU's best opportunity of the opening half came in the 20th minute when Paul Norberg put a shot on goal that was turned away by the Vulcans' goalkeeper. Hawai'i Hilo carried the one-goal lead into halftime after holding a 6-2 advantage in shots during the opening 45 minutes.
The Sharks found the equalizer in the 65th minute. Olle Ridelius delivered a pass to Takara, who finished the chance to even the match at 1-1. The goal marked Takara's first of the season, while Ridelius recorded his first assist.
Hawai'i Hilo answered less than 13 minutes later as Yoke Duku scored the eventual game-winning goal in the 78th minute off an assist from Teun van Gansewinkel.
The Sharks finished with six shots, including two on goal. Takara and Norberg each placed one shot on frame, while Ryder Breeden, Sam Gantner and Noah Clarkson also recorded shots. Eduardo Marin made one save while playing all 90 minutes in goal.
Hawai'i Pacific totaled three corner kicks and committed eight fouls, while Hawai'i Hilo finished with eight shots, five corner kicks and nine fouls.
