Kalani's Marc Teshima handles the ball in traffic against Kalaheo. Tyler Kanoa | Special to SL

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010714__MG_2872.JPG - Tyler Kanoa | Special to SL

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Kalani got back on the winning track at home Tuesday, posting a key 4-1 win over Kalaheo that helped the Falcons keep pace atop the OIA Red East standings.

The Falcons, losers of two of their last three games, found some much needed offensive continuity against the Mustangs, due in part to the return of a number of starters previously sidelined by injury.

"We had (Sean) Donnelly back at center-mid, he seems to be getting into his rhythm, we got some guys on the outside now with some speed finally, we got back to playing Kalani soccer," remarked Kalani head coach Michael Ching.

Marc Teshima got Kalani on the board in the 7th minute of play, heading home the ball past the Kalaheo keeper for the score, and added another goal off of a pretty feed from a teammate in the early stages of the second half to put the game all but out of reach.

"Our coach changed our formation so I think we have better lineup, and we can connect passes more," said Teshima.

The pair of scores by Teshima marked his first multi-game effort of the season, who doubled his overall total to 4.

"He's (Teshima) been playing outside midfield for us, but he is kind of a force (in the middle). We worked in practice to get three or four guys in the box and drive the ball across." said Ching. "If you get numbers in the box, you're not always going to make it but they (the opportunities) are there. It just felt good to kind of four goals against a team that probably hasn't given up too many goals period."

A red card issued in the 16th minute on a handball called in front of the Kalaheo net led to a penalty kick goal by Kalani's Ryan Bui, and the Falcons added an insurance goal eight minutes later as William Pineda-Abaya beat the Mustangs' keeper for a score.

"We were fortunate to get a goal early, the red card obviously hurt them, but tribute to them they bounce right back with the PK," said Ching.

Jhonah Felipe, the second-leading scorer in the OIA Red, increased his total to 8 with that penalty kick score in the 20th minute, and the Mustangs had a golden opportunity to pull within a single goal in the 31st minute on a direct free kick from just outside the box, but Tyler Williams' shot rocketed off the top crossbar and was eventually cleared to end the scoring threat.

Mustangs' keeper Jack Bell played an inspired game in goal saving 11-of-16 shots, including an incredible lunging save of a ground ball laser in the 15th minute that looked to be almost a sure goal on the break for Kalani.

"He made a save on a breakaway when he went down (to the ground), that was the best save I've seen all year," exclaimed Ching. "I think he was battling a little injury, but he really commands his box, he's very tall, he made a bunch of good saves, but that one was about as good as it gets."

Michael Stafford was equal to the task in Kalani's goal, saving 11-of-12 shots, including his own lunging save of a well-struck ball headed to the right corner of the goal in the 49th minute.

Kalani travels to Kaimuki for a 2 p.m. Saturday match, while Kalaheo hopes to rebound next week in a clash back at home against McKinley on January 16 at 6 p.m.