Iolani breaks through to win second straight ILH Division I crown

Brien Ing | SL

It took 102 minutes of soccer between Iolani and Punahou this season, but the deadlock was finally broken.

Keane Palmer's goal midway through the first half of play was ultimately the game winner in a 1-0 victory for the Raiders over the Buffanblu, marking the first time this season a goal was scored in a match between the two teams.

"We were kind of confused about the call but glad the ball ended up where it was," said Palmer. "I had the shot, I did it against Saint Louis and I was confident I could get it done today. Just put it over the wall and into the top bin."

Carrying a one goal lead into the break, Iolani continued to seek chances in the attacking third but did seem to prioritize limiting scoring chances going the other way, evidenced by both Palmer and Jacob Lee both setting up shop defensively noticeably lower than early on.

"Every game is a fight. I mean three games and only goal scored, the defense on both sides was great and it kind of came down to that one shot," said Palmer. "On offense in the second half we were trying to get chances and go forward with it, but at the same time we had to make sure we stayed back because they have a really dangerous front three that can capitalize on one-on-one opportunities."

Of note, especially in the latter stages of the match with Punahou clearly pressing hard in the attacking third, was Iolani keeper Brayden Obrero, who made no less than two key saves in the dying moments.

"I mean Brayden's come such a long way this season," Palmer remarked. "Tanner (Shum), our keeper last year, really mentored him, and I've tried my best too but its really come from him, he's really developed as a keeper."

Iolani defended its league title and definitely has aspirations of repeating as state champions as well.

"We're really thrilled to get this game done, that bye game in the first round is crucial for our rest and recovery, but the job is not even close to being finished," Palmer said. "We got the ILH title but we're after the state title for sure. Practice is going to really important for us the next couple of days to get us in the right mindset and place to succeed."