Kauai JV sweeps Waimea in Thursday mists

LIHUE — Erik Benitez got assists from Michael Dressler in scoring two goals to lead the Kauai High School boys junior varsity to a 3-0 win over Waimea on Thursday at Vidinha Stadium.

Tytan Heresa got an assist from Bryan Soria to score the third goal against the Menehune JV.

“Waimea imposed a physical game,” said Martin Steinhaus, the Kauai JV coach. “The Red Raider JV boys team kept its tactical shape, playing the ball quickly, and capitalized on fast breaks.”

The physical nature of the matchup was apparent when Cody Taniguchi was issued a warning for unsportsmanlike play.

Earlier, the Kauai High School JV girls rolled through the afternoon mist and blustery conditions to pile up a 17-0 win over the Waimea girls, many of whom were getting their first experience on the soccer playing arena.

Aleigha “Red” Scovel jumped on the ball early, set the tone and sliced through the Menehune defense, scoring on her opening drive.

Scovel was joined by Railee Layosa. Both girls lead the win with a hat trick, or three goals scored, getting help from Shanie Quertero, Kara Goldstein, and Britney Ehia who netted two goals each. Lydsie Kashima, Kaori Kaya, Kalia Shimabukuro and Tammie Yoshimori also added goals.

Kauai coach Kevin Gusman said the Red Raiders fielded seven players to Waimea’s eight and worked through platoon changes and four goalkeepers throughout the match.

He said Kauai controlled the field from the onset including shots on goals, goals scored on crosses, 7 to 10 passes from on end to the other and back, dropping the ball to goalkeepers and utilizing the width and length of the playing field.

The Waimea girls next meet Kapaa on Saturday starting at 10 a.m. at Vidinha Stadium followed by the JV boys meeting the undefeated JV Kapaa boys at 11:45 a.m. The varsity games follow when the girls start at 1:30 p.m. followed by the boys at 3:30 p.m.

Kauai JV gets the bye until next Thursday when they host Kapaa at Vidinha Stadium.