Castle's Dakota Turner goes airborne with the ball against Moanalua. Kristen Izumigawa | Special to SL

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122813_SL-BSOC_EA-KI_B2_MOA-CAST_12-28-13_68.jpg - Kristen Izumigawa | Special to SL

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KANEOHE - A desperate goal by Dakota Graham in the final minute of regulation propelled Castle over Moanalua, 3-2, Saturday afternoon.

The Knights improved to 3-1 for the season, while Moanalua fell to 3-2.

"It was a great win," Graham said. "That was our best performance we ever had. It gives us big momentum."

"In the east, every win you get is a big, important win," Knights coach Marc LaChance said. "A lot of teams are even in the standings so this is really good for our team.
The first two goals came during the middle portion of the first half and the 48th minute of play from Ikaika Urasaki and DJ Chinen. A cross from the outside connected with the Castle player. He finished the play with a laser of a shot into the back of the net. The Knights scored the second goal for the Knights during the 48th minute of play. Castle took advantage of a loose ball inside the 18-yard box and finished the play.

The Castle goal put the Knights up by two points.

"Ikaika and DJ always score in practice so I expect nothing less from them," Graham said.

The Na Menehune responded with two goals to match the Knights. Both goals came back to back at the 61st and 65th minute of play. A header into the back of the net and a cross and finish tied the game with 15 minutes left in regulation.

"Moanalua is a good fast team," LaChance said. "They can attack very quickly. The second half they (Moanalua) came out strong."

Graham, who left the game early to an injury, returned to seal the match with a goal in the final minute of regulation. A header into the back of the net by the senior ended the game with a final score of 3-2.

"I think it's awesome that he persevered," LaChance said. "That he could focus and come through at the end show he can put forth that focus and commitment when he needs to help the team out."

The goal by Graham was his first of the season.