Kalani's Ryan Abe celebrates with a teammate after a goal scored against Kaiser. Greg Yamamoto | SL

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Wed, Jan 27, 2016 @ Kaiser

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Kalani

2

Kaiser

0

Final	1st	2nd	OT	2OT	PK	Tot
Kalani (14-2-0)	2	0	-	-	-	2
Kaiser (11-4-2)	0	0	-	-	-	0

R. Abe    T. Kosins

Kalani continued its undefeated run through the OIA East with a 2-0 victory over previously unbeaten Kaiser.

Ryan Abe got the Falcons on the board in the eighth minute, knocking home the first goal of the game off of a deflected ball on a throw-in in front of the Cougars' goal.

"Madison Casey kind of hit it with his hip, and it just fell to me and I tapped it in," said Abe of the score.

It certainly was not the prettiest of goals, but the early advantage for the Falcons set the tone for the remainder of the match.

"In the big games, you usually score on set pieces, little plays. And we really preach running through things, getting 'garbage' goals," said Kalani head coach Michael Ching. "Those are the types of goals you need to get win, and its good when you can win 2-0 in a big game in other ways."

The Falcons struck again in the 30th minute, when Toshihiro Kosins lasered in a free kick from about 20 yards out through the Cougars' wall and past the keeper to spot Kalani a 2-0 advantage.

"The wall moved, but I didnt exactly mean to hit it there," said Toshihiro Kosins. "I tried to get it over the wall but luckily it went through the wall and into the goal."

"I think he saw the shot more than he saw me (vacate the spot in the wall), he took it and I'm glad he took it," said Takahiro Kosins.

It was just the second goal scored for Toshihiro Kosins, who had not played since January 13 due to injury. His presence as the anchor to the Falcons' back line as well as his ball striking ability was certainly a welcome return.

"Its really good having my brother back," said Takahiro Kosins. "He cleans up a lot of the mistakes we make in the front also having his leg off the goal kicks, helps us get straight into their offensive third."

Kaiser, who entered the game as the highest scoring team in the OIA with 58 goals on the year, had nearly as many shots on goal (9) as Kalani (8), but couldn't capitalize on chances in the attacking zone. The Cougars best chances came in the early stages of the first half, two shots inside the box with opportunities at the deflection to boot that both refused to sneak in.

"I think we were sometimes shaky (defensively). My teammates backed me up, and my coach looks to us (the back line) to carry the team and any time we have a clean sheet its a good result," said Toshihiro Kosins. "It's always good when you can shut down a team like Kaiser who is the most threatening team, at least in the East."

Division I scoring leader Takahiro Kosins, with 22 scores to his credit, saw an eight-game scoring streak come to a halt, but it wasn't for lack of opportunity. He had three prime chances at goal, but none managed to find the back of the net. His final attempt came on a run to the left post in the 73rd minute, where a well-struck ball hit the post and deflected out.

"Scoring is good, but winning is better. I'd rather have a win than scoring goals," said Takahiro Kosins.