Daehler shines as No. 1 Punahou dominates No. 2 Kamehameha

Sophomore forward Nathan Daehler celebrates after scoring his second goal in Punahou's 4-0 win over Kamehameha Wednesday afternoon. Michael Lasquero | SL

KAPALAMA HEIGHTS — Sophomore Nathan Daehler's first appearance in the Punahou boys soccer team's starting lineup was quite the showing.

Daehler recorded a hat trick as top-ranked Punahou overpowered No. 2 Kamehameha, 4-0, in an ILH Division I match at Kunuiakea Stadium Wednesday afternoon.

"He's a sophomore that we had our eye on since last year," Punahou coach David Trifonovitch said of Daehler. "He's come up and has done a fantastic job so far. Actually, today was his first start. He's been practicing really well over the break. He's starting to feel more comfortable with the guys and he really showed it today. He really stepped up and did his thing."

It was the Buffanblu's first contest since a scoreless tie to PAC-5 on Dec. 20. Trifonovitch was pleased with his team's preparation over the long layoff.

"It went really well," said Trifonovitch. "We had a long time to prepare for this game. Over the break, we were working on different things and got a lot of good practice time in. Some of the things that we've been working on happened in the game and that was really good to see."

The scoring started just minutes after the opening whistle. Punahou (3-0-1) earned a free kick and the ball was hit to the back post. Dominic Gusman headed the ball back across goal and Daehler was there to finish it off.

Punahou found the back of the net again in the 27th minute. Jacob Moore hit a free kick in from the top right corner flag and Treyden Buder-Nakasone rose above everyone to make it 2-0.

"Scoring three minutes into the game allowed us to take advantage of what we wanted to do," said Trifonovitch. "We went against the wind in the first half so we could do what we wanted in the second half."

Kamehameha had their best chance to score minutes into the second half when Keaton Downing stole the ball away from the Punahou keeper. His shot was going in, but Punahou defender Laakeaikamalu Salvani's last-ditch effort saved the clean sheet for the Buffanblu.

Minutes later, Moore hit a ball from inside the Punahou side of the field and Daehler managed to score his second goal.

"Jacob (Moore) played a nice ball through and it was a one touch finish," said Daehler.

Daehler scored his hat-trick goal in the 60th minute. Johnnie Dodge played a through ball in for Daehler and he slotted it home.

"He's earned his spot and will play numerous more minutes after scoring those kinds of goals," said Trifonovitch.

With a 4-0 lead with 20 minutes left, Punahou unleashed their bench and they continued to play on the same level as the starters.

"I'm blessed that there's so much depth on the team, said Trifonovitch. "The ILH is a really tough league so we really just want to get through it. Whether we're first or second, it doesn't matter. At times, it's just like ‘let's get through it just to get to states.' We just want to qualify for states."

Punahou will host Saint Louis next this Saturday. The Warriors (2-1-1) will look to bounce back as they host Daimen on the same day.