After suffering a 1-0 loss to Leahi West in Saturday morning's tournament opener, Maui United bounced back to win its remaining three matches and captured the Hawaii Youth Soccer State Cup under-14 girls' title at the Waipio Complex on Oahu.
MUSC capped its unlikely run with a dramatic 1-0 victory by outscoring the two-time defending champion Ka'oi Express 3-2 on penalty kicks after the two teams had battled through 70 minutes of regulation and another 20 of scoreless overtime.
Tina Imada, Liz Higashino and Amanda Jorgensen converted their attempts, while goalkeeper Kalei Vaivai made several key saves during the shootout to secure a berth in the Far West Regional tournament at the same venue June 16-22.
Following its opening loss, MUSC rallied to a 3-1 over Maui's Excel on Saturday afternoon on second-half goals by Nicole Nakakura, Makana Pundyke and Lauren Ichimura.
MUSC finished group play with a 1-0 win over Real Copa of Oahu on Sunday afternoon as Pundyke's goal in the 29th minute off an assist by Nakakura. United need help go get into the final, and received it when Excel played Leahi to a 0-0
tie.
Other members of the Maui United championship team are: Amber-Lei Madriaga, Breanna Gaddis, Jessica Malknecht, Kalena Kaeo, Kenna Green, Mari Ueno, Riley Sharishi, Tori-Jean Cambra and Amber Kozaki. The coaches: Ted Eck, Fred Guzman and Dave Jorgensen.
Because of the length of the championship match, the girls barely had enough time to celebrate their upset victory, collect their championship trophy and medals, and bolt for the airport.
Not everyone made it on time. Several players and parents, as well as one coach, were bumped from their flights and had to spend the night on Oahu before returning home on Monday.
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