Late goal lifts Kaiser over Kalaheo in both teams' league opener

Greg Yamamoto | SL

Against Kalaheo, it was safe to say that Leo Davies left it all on the pitch.

Despite cramping up on the play, Davies scored in the 75th minute off a pass by Ailu Doi to give Kaiser a 1-0 win over Kalaheo in both teams' season openers.

"He (Doi) played the ball in and I instantly started cramping," said Davies. "But I knew I had to fight through (it) because there was only a few minutes left, so I left it all out there and then subbed out. I knew my team would finish the game for me."

It was a low-scoring game that could have easily been much more high scoring.

Kalaheo had not one, but two balls glance off of goalposts, another opportunity negated by an offsides call and a long run up the middle in the 26th minute by Davidson Kathman that went just right.

"Give them a lot of credit," said Kaiser head coach Layne Abalos. "We're young, we're still learning and maturing hopefully as the season progresses. Once we settle down and start playing our game, I think our boys can do it."

Chances for the Cougars were a bit harder to come by overall, particularly with the Mustangs marking both Davies and Noah Kaneshiro.

"We told the boys they going to key on them," said Abalos. "They're a good combo, but we can't just stand there and watch them play, everybody's got to get involved."

A total of five yellow cards and a red card were booked during the game, and the Mustangs played the entire additional time at the end of regulation a man down.

Despite the disadvantage, Kalaheo had more than a few chances to equalize, but Kaiser's defense was able to clear the ball and maintain the clean sheet.

"We kept the ball and tried to play smart, just play our game," said Davies.

Kaiser had an opportunity to add a game-clinching second goal in the closing moments, as Tayte Sato broke free for a chance, but unfortunately his shot on goal ended up in the arms of the keeper.

"We got to put those away," said Abalos. "When you've got a one-v-keeper you gotta put that away. That shows our youth, but we'll get better."

The Cougars have a game at home against Kailua on Dec. 3 before travelling to face off with league rival Kalani on Dec. 7.