Kaiser overcomes slow start to post 5-0 shutout of Kailua

Kaiser's Allyson Matsuoka battles Kailua's Kashinton Kahihikolo-Galarza for possession of the ball. Greg Yamamoto | SL

Led by a pair of goals by senior Allyson Matsuoka, Kaiser posted a 5-0 shutout of Kailua, on match held at Kaiser Stadium.

Playing without leading goal scorer Kai Hasegawa, who suited up but did not start, the Cougars played much of the first half looking very tentative offensively.

The Cougars were able to manufacture a much needed goal in the 39th minute, as Matsuoka's free kick deflected off a Kailua player and then glanced off the Surfriders' keeper hands on its way into the corner of the goal.

The late score by Matsuoka injected some much need life into the Cougars offense, one that emerged markedly more assertive after the intermission, creating two quick opportunities in Kailua's penalty area within the span of just four minutes to open the second half, drawing a foul on each.

Matsuoka knocked home one penalty kick for her second score of the game in the 44th minute, and K. Murray-Pasion converted the other in the 48th to extend the margin to 3-0.

Hasegawa entered in the 50th minute, and her presence may have well factored into Kaiser's final two goals, particularly one in the 56th minute of play, as her shot was fended off by the Surfriders' keeper but knocked in off the rebound by the Cougars' A Amano.

Perhaps the prettiest goal of the afternoon came on a run out by the Cougars in the 68th minute, as Murray-Pasion made a great pass to Noelle Mercado for the easy goal past the keeper.

Kaiser improved to an OIA East Division best 8-1 record, with a showdown on the road against 7-1 Moanalua looming, while Kailua finishes up their regular season against Roosevelt. Both games are set for Wednesday.

Reach Brien Ing at [email protected].