Box Score

MISSOULA, Mont. - Hawai`i remained undefeated on the mainland with a 1-0 win over New Mexico in the Montana Fall Classic Friday afternoon at South Campus Stadium. Natasha Kai scored the golden goal late in the first half to improve the Rainbow Wahine to 6-2-1.

The match, played on a neutral site, was UH's fourth straight away win in 2004. It was UH's third straight win overall and sixth in its last seven matches. New Mexico lost its fourth straight and dropped to 3-5.

UH dominated the first half, controlling the midfield and creating an 8-2 shot advantage by the break. Natasaha Kai was unable to capitalize on a breakway in the 15th minute, but UH finally got on the board in the final minute of the first frame of the foot of its star striker. After the Lobos cleared a UH corner kick, midfielder Jessica Domingo booted the ball back in the box. New Mexico's defenders misplayed the ball leaving Kai with an open net from five yards out. It was Kai's team-leading sixth goal of the season and fifth game-winner.

Hawai`i played the final 27 minutes with a one-player advantage as New Mexico's Samantha Sullivan picked up her second yellow card of the match and was ejected from the match at the 62:46 mark. The Rainbow Wahine posted its second shutout of the season, and the first of the year for junior goalkeeper Mahie Atay. Atay was untested for much of the match as the Lobos weren't able to muster a shot on goal until the 86th minute. UH out-shot New Mexico, 14-6 for the match.

The Rainbow Wahine next faces Gonzaga in its second and final match at the Montana Fall Classic on Sunday, Sept. 26 at Noon MST.

match statistics

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