Mililani shuts out 'Aiea, 2-0, to remain undefeated


WAIPIO - The Mililani Trojans scored in each half to post a 2-0 victory over the Aiea Na Ali'i Tuesday night.

"Mililani played really well and really organized," said Aiea Head Coach Shirafuji. "Some parts of the game, they kept the ball from us for minutes."

The first score came in the 17th minute of the game off the foot of Trojans senior Tyler Matas. Finishing up after a corner kick by Trojans senior Jake Sagami, Mililani now led 1-0 in the first half.

"It was lucky," said Matas. "I was just in the right place at the right time."

"He is a quality player," said Mililani Head Coach Jeff Yamamoto. "He's a regional player and it shows."

Matas clearly emerged as a dominant player against Aiea. The transfer from Leilehua made highlights again as he played a pass to help with the second goal. After pulling a beautiful move on the Aiea defender, Matas's pass set up a cross from Sagami. The cross connected with Trojans senior Renato Torquato, who finished the ball into the back of the net in the 44th minute.

"We played good," said Matas. "We made the best of our opportunities."

The goals by both Torquato and Matas gave the Trojans the 2-0 win. Both players are senior captains on the Mililani team.

"(Torquato and Matas) were great," said Coach Yamamoto. "They played an outstanding tonight."

For Matas, this was his second game on the Mililani. Formerly an OIA Red West All Star at Leilehua, Matas came to Mililani for his senior year. With his goal tonight, Matas has two goals for the season. With his performance so far throughout the season, Matas is showing he is a rising star and a valuable asset to the Mililani team.

"It's easy for him because he's a quality player" said Coach Yamamoto. "He's a quality player so he can play well with any team."

Aiea dropped to 0-3-0 on the season.

"We're coming around," said Coach Shirafuji. "We are a bit more confident, knowing we can hang with the top teams in the OIA."


Reach Aven Santiago at [email protected].