Kalani finishes off regular season with key win over Kaiser

Rayden Aoki | SL

For at least another season, advantage Falcons.

Kalani continued its undefeated streak against Kaiser, posting a 2-0 result to close out its regular season on a six game winning streak and more importantly lock up the top seed out of the East in the upcoming league playoffs.

A first half with more than a few chances on both sides ultimately ended scoreless, but the Falcons finally broke through in the second half as Daichi Fujita found Tyler-Riku Miranda with a pretty cross from deep in the left edge of the box for the game's opening score in the 56th minute.

"He (Fujita) had the confidence to drive it down the line and he saw the opportunity to cross it and he took the chance and I was just there," said Miranda of the score, his fourth of the season.

Kalani's consistent pressure in the attack half paid dividends again in the 64th, when Vincent Maserrati was fouled in the box, resulting in a penalty kick chance. The senior midfielder stepped up a calmly placed the ball with pace past the Kaiser keeper to make it 2-0. The goal marked Maserrati's sixth of the year.

From there, the Falcons stuck to its gameplan, which included being very aware winning long balls coming off the foot of Cougars' keeper Kaiea McKillop.

"Our coaches knew that the keeper had a good leg, so we just had a plan and had to execute it as a team. Luckily, it just happened," said Miranda.

Still, Kaiser had more than its fair share of golden opportunities, but were just not able to capitalize on finishes.

Tayte Sato had a real chance in the 27th minute but had a shot from just outside of 10 yards turned back by the keeper. A shot from about 20 yards out in front by Tristan Buck just skidded wide of the left post int he 66th, and Cody Aoki's chance from about 25 yards away sailed just over the crossbar in the 68th.

Miranda praised the work by Kalani keeper Dylan Lee.

"Our keeper was on point today. He slept well, he ate well, thanks to our keeper that saved all those goals and kept us in the game," said Miranda.

The top seed in the upcoming OIA Division I tournament comes with a first round bye for Kalani, while Kaiser needs a win against Kaimuki and a loss or tie for Castle in their season finale against Kahuku in order to sneak into the second seed.