Mililani escapes with 2-1 win over Castle

Mililani captain Tia Rodriguez, who scored the game-winning goal, celebrates with coach Ray Akiona after the match. Michael Lasquero | SL

KANEOHE — Mililani outlasted Castle in the second half to come away with a 2-1 victory at Castle High's field in the Oahu Interscholastic Association Division I semifinals Thursday night.

The Trojans, the top-seeded team from the OIA West and defending league champs, improved to 10-0-2 and will face Pearl City in the Division I title game Saturday night.

The Knights dropped to 9-2-1.

In the first half, both side were unable to get into a rhythm and neither came close to scoring. Both of the defenses for each team were able to protect their keepers.

"There was no continuity in the beginning for our team especially," said Mililani coach Ray Akiona. "It was a well fought game and both side were evenly matched. I got to give kudos to coach (Dydasco). After a while, it just got to that point of urgency and both teams came out to score."

When the second half began, both teams came at each other with all they got with Mililani taking the lead in the 56th minute. After winning a free kick via handball, junior Randi Macadangdang fired a 25-yard free kick in over the sprawling Castle goalie. This was Macadangdang's team leading ninth goal of the season.

Castle had a quick response right after the restart. After weaving through the whole Mililani team, Castles' Danielle Chang poked home the equalizer in the 58th minute. This was the junior forward's seventh goal of the season.

Mililani then came at Castle with everything it had. Eventually, the constant pressure was too much for Castle as enior Tia Rodriguez scored the game winning goal in the 76th minute. She was assisted by junior Tehani Furuta.

"I just remember two defenders on her (Tehani) and I was open," said Rodriguez. "We did some quick wall passes and I tapped in the game winning goal."

Rodriguez did not start the game for the Trojans, but her impact was what coach Akiona was hoping for.

"She is the fire that gets us going," said Akiona. "Tia is a captain. She puts out 110 percent in everything she does. She never stops and always tries to do what she can for the team. Its unique to have an individual like that. She is our spark plug."

After scoring her goal, Rodriguez was met by the warm embrace of her excited teammates. It is clear that Rodriguez and her teammates have a strong bond.

"My team is literally there for me all the time," said Rodriguez. "Whether at school or on the field, they are basically my sisters. Like real sisters, we argue like sisters and we play like sisters. I just love this team so much."