Ngonethong's goal keeps Kaiser undefeated in league play

Kaiser sophomore Ian Ngonethong takes a shot on goal in the second half of an OIA East match against Moanalua Saturday night. Michael Lasquero | SL

SALT LAKE — Ninth-ranked Kaiser got a first-half goal from sophomore Ian Ngonethong to top host Moanalua in a 1-0 victory in OIA East action Saturday night.

The Cougars remained undefeated in league play as they improved to 5-0-1 to sit in second place in the OIA East standings behind league leader Kalaheo (6-0).

Na Menehune saw their four-game winning streak snapped as they dropped to 4-2.

The two teams each had chances early on in the first half. Na Menehune had the first opportunity minutes into the game when they hit a shot that made Kaiser goalkeeper Kai Nishibun make a full-stretched save.

Moanalua dominated possession early on, but it was Kaiser who would score the lone goal of the game in the 23rd minute.

Kyler Halvorsen saved a ball from going out near the left sideline and got it to Tytan Yamanaka, who then hit a cross to the far right side of the 18-yard box to a wide-open Ngonethong. The Kaiser sophomore then dribbled the ball in towards the goal and chipped his shot over Moanalua keeper Griffin Motas for the score.

The Cougars kept the pressure throughout the match as they took 13 total shots, with seven shots on goal coming in the second half. A lot of those were missed chances, but Motas came up big with two point-blank saves to keep Moanalua in the game.

Na Menehune created a few chances of their own when they moved center back Isaac Nakayama to center midfield, but nothing really tested Nishibun and the Kaiser defense.

Both teams play on Wednesday Jan. 8 with Kaiser hosting Roosevelt and Moanalua traveling to face Kalani.