Box Score

WAIPAHU, O`ahu - The University of Hawai`i soccer team opened its 2006 season with a disappointing 1-0 loss to Washington in the OHANA Hotels & Resorts No Ka Oi on a soggy Friday night at Waipio Peninsula Soccer Stadium. The Rainbow Wahine controlled the pace for much of the match, but fell victim to a second-half goal by the Huskies.

Melissa Beal scored the game-winner in the 69th minute when she broke free from the UH defense and sent a left-footed shot from 15 yards out. UH goalkeeper Kori Lu was in position to save the low-liner, but the ball escaped her grip and ultimately trickled through her legs and into the goal. Up to that point, the Rainbow Wahine (0-1) had nearly doubled-up the Huskies (1-0) on shots. UH ended the game with a 13-7 edge on shots, including 5-2 on shots on goal.

The match started with a strong downpour that subsided as the first half wound down. An energized Rainbow Wahine squad was relentless in the first half, but the first half saw little in the way of offense, as the teams combined for just six shots. The second half started with a flurry as the first 15 minutes saw numerous scoring opportunities.

UH's best opportunity came in the 59th minute with a breakaway as freshman forward Ambree Ako looked to slot the ball past Washington goalkeeper Kelsey Rasmussen. However, a diving Rasmussen deflected the attempt into the air, then recovered to save Taryn Fukuroku's header on UH's rebound attempt. Washington capitalized 10 minutes later on Beal's goal and nearly added another goal in the 74th minute, but Shuree Hyatt's shot bounced off the post.

The OHANA Hotels & Resorts No Ka Oi continues Saturday night as Washington takes on Oklahoma. The Rainbow Wahine conclude the tournament on Monday at 5 p.m. with a match versus the Sooners.

Box Score

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