Reicke's golden goal sends Kekaulike to Division I title match

King Kekaulike Rex Riecke (19) is joined by Jake Solorio (13), Angus Daniels (10), Elias Emmanuel (21), and Hugh Ward (1) after scoring the golden goal in the 89' in the semifinals of the NIU Health Urgent Care/HHSAA Division I Boys Soccer Championship at Radford's John E. Velasco Stadium. CJ Caraang | SL

The dream is still alive for King Kekaulike as they advanced to the finals of the NIU Health Urgent Care/HHSAA Division I Boys Soccer State Championships with a 1-0 win in overtime over the Kalani at John E. Velasco Stadium at Radford High School on Friday.

For the Na Alii, this is their first trip to the title game.

Both teams were evenly matched, despite Kalani playing without two key players due to injury. The teams traded blows every which way, but neither team scored a goal in the first stanza.

The second half was like a replay of the first. Kalani had numerous chances to score a goal; Falcons fans got into it in the stands, but Kekaulike responded. Not even goal kicks or penalty kicks went in for either team.

At the end of 80 minutes, the score was still 0-0, and overtime was needed to decide the contest.

The first overtime period appeared to be another replay of regulation, but just when it looked like a second overtime period was likely, Rex Reicke scored the one and only goal on an assist from Bailey Hoffman in the 89th minute.

Reicke had a hard time describing the win for the Na Aliʻi.

"We dominated, we deserved the win, and we played well," Reicke said.

Kekaulike co-head coach Tye Perdido spoke highly of Hoffman's assist and restarts.

"His ability to be able to find guys and pick them out for the crosses is almost bar-none," Perdido said.

Perdido was very relieved this game did not go to a second overtime or penalty kicks for that matter.

"That was a fear," Perdido said. "We knew that we were able to develop and have a lot of attack and opportunities on net in the regular time."

Perdido also felt his team could go the distance a little longer.

"We knew Kalani was just gassed from the game against Punahou yesterday," Perdido said. "We knew we had to get the ball in the back of the net in regulation play and not go into PKs."

Perdido emphasized that his team was worn out as well.

"They were definitely tired," Perdido added. "We've been doing a lot of rehab at the hotel and making sure that we're trying to get the guys as prepped as possible within the short amount of time."

Kekaulike improved to 8-1-2 overall and will face off against the Hilo Vikings (10-1-0) for the Division I state crown back at Velasco Stadium on Saturday at 7 p.m. HST in the championship match. A win means the first ever championship for either team.