Kapolei Reaping The Benefits Of A Well-Rounded Team
By Jack Danilewicz
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If the past proves anything, it’s that the future is always now - for the Kapolei boys soccer team. Rebuilding years are not part of the process for the Hurricanes.
Even so, head coach Bryce Kaneshiro must feel he’s now reaping the benefits of keeping a larger roster two years ago.
“Because of that, we’re looking better this year,” he said. “We planted the seed, and now we’re seeing the fruit.”
The Hurricanes are coming off another solid season, having gone 9-4-3 overall last year en route to finishing as OIA Red Conference Tournament runner-up. Kapolei also made the Division I state tournament, where they placed sixth behind Moanalua.
Hopes are high again with several standouts back, highlighted by Kainoa Kea, Richard Gallarde, Michael Wolf and up-and-coming sophomore Brandon Begonia, all key contributors a year ago.
Kea is a four-year varsity player who has started since his sophomore season. “He has a lot of experience - both in high school and with his club - and he’s also well-traveled,” said Kaneshiro of the midfielder/forward. “He brings a sense of game play that a lot of others don’t have.”
In time, Kaneshiro may voice the same sentiments about Begonia, who burst upon the scene like a meteor last year as a freshman when he held down a spot on defense.
“We’re looking for big things from him this year. He was a big part of us last year.”
Kaneshiro also is high on Gallarde, a captain a year ago, who is a junior projected to play mid-field or defense this time around. “We don’t usually promote sophomores (to captain), but he’s a guy
who brings people together and helps everyone be on the same page.”
One twist in 2010-11 will be in goal, where Wolf moves from forward to keeper to replace Cody Kamei, who completed his eligibility.
“He has natural instincts as a goalkeeper,” Kaneshiro said of Wolf. “He gets a jump on the play, he has good hands, and he’s very confident. He could be the best goalkeeper we’ve had, and we’ve had a lot of All-Stars.”
Kaneshiro also labeled junior Rowen White and seniors Eric Morales and Adrian Yunson as “impact players” while acknowledging that depth may be the team’s overall strength.
“We’re well-balanced - not only with our starting 11, but with our second 11, too.”
The Hurricanes were to host the Oahu Inter-league Soccer Showcase last weekend, guaranteeing Kapolei of playing games against ILH foes Punahou, Iolani and Kamehameha. A final preseason game is set for Dec. 1 at home against Moanalua. Kapolei opens its Red West season Dec. 7 at home versus Leilehua.
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