Mules Ready To Kick It In
By Jack Danilewicz
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Del.icio.usThe Leilehua boys soccer team’s greater challenge on game night this season is “to finish,” to hear Mules’ coach James J.J. Cabralda tell it.
“(Senior All-Conference goalkeeper) Daniel Dartt makes a lot of great saves. Now we need someone to step up, be aggressive and finish on the other (offensive) side of the field. If we do that, we’ll be all right. Defense wins championships, but if we can’t score, we won’t get a win either.”
As the Mules look ahead to their OIA Red West opener at home against Campbell Dec. 9, a positive preseason development has been a growing cohesiveness, no small matter for a team that has an even mix of underclassmen and upperclassmen.
“Our team chemistry, when we get together, has been the most important thing,” Cabralda said. “Everyone clicks, and they help each other out. We’re a team. Everyone is willing to work together.”
Leilehua was in the rebuilding mode last season, finishing 3-5-4, a year after it had made a fourth straight appearance in the state tournament. This year, hopes are again high with the return of three First Team All-Red West selections back in the fold in goalkeeper Dartt, mid-fielder Maika Kunioka and fullback R.J. Ten Broeke. All three are seniors.
Dartt is the team’s captain and may even find his way onto the field this winter, although he has played in net for his whole career at Leilehua. “We may have to ask him to take one for the team and play in the field,” Cabralda said.“We love his attitude. When we asked him, his response was,‘anything for the team.’ He’s a leader by example - when he hustles, the other kids hustle. It’s kind of infectious.”
Cabralda is expecting Kunioka to join the team late, as he is still involved with the football team. As in football, where he rates among the best place-kickers in the state, Kunioka figures to have a big impact in soccer as well.
“He has a big leg - a good strike on the ball,” Cabralda said. “He’s been playing a long time, and he knows the game. We miss his leadership right now.”
Ten Broeke, who made a successful transition from mid-fielder to fullback, will be counted on to anchor the defense.“He’s our No. 1 defensive specialist,” Cabralda said. “He has speed and tenacity. If he falters, our defense folds.”
Juniors Evan Igarashi and Brenden Nagaji also return to the starting lineup and should figure big in the team plans at multiple positions.
“They can play anywhere on the field - they’re that talented - and they’ll shore up our middle. Evan’s a very good player we depend on. Brenden is a unique case - he came out only as a junior - and he was a big surprise last year. He’s fluid.”
Leilehua’s roster includes 10 seniors, four juniors, eight sophomores and one freshman. For all the seasoned players in the lineup, however, it is an up-and-coming group of sophomores - Jackson Brumblay, Casey Calistro, Corey Dartt, Makoa DeVincent and Cameron Keawe - who could have a huge effect, according to Cabralda.
“For the most part, we have a young and inexperienced team. Our returning starters are key players, but it will take more than them. Our super sophomores are going to play major roles. They’re going to be starters, and if they can step up, we’ll have some success.”
Contact Jack Danilewicz at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
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