WAIPAHU, O'ahu – Behind a strong effort on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, the Hawai'i soccer team earned a gutsy 1-0 win over Cal Poly Thursday night at Waipi'o Soccer Stadium.
Caroline Carter delivered the only goal of the match with a 40th-minute score while goalkeeper
Kennedy Justin led a stellar defensive effort, posting her first clean sheet of the year while recording seven saves.
The win was UH's first conference victory of the season while snapping a seven-match winless streak that dated back to Sept. 7. The Rainbow Wahine also extended their unbeaten streak in home conference matches to seven dating back to last season while picking up just their second-ever win over the Mustangs in 17 meetings.
The Rainbow Wahine dominated possession the entire first half, holding a 7-0 advantage in shots through the first 22 minutes.
Krista Peterson nearly gave UH the early lead when her long-range attempt went off the crossbar in the 22nd minute.
Carter finally broke through for the 'Bows in the 40th minute, scoring when Peterson's cross into the box ricocheted off a Mustang defender, allowing her to finish with her right foot from just in front of the goal. Hawai'i ended the first half with a 12-3 advantage in shot attempts, with
Tatum Porter,
Nalani Damacion and
Cate Sheahan firing off three each.
Justin came up big in the net down the stretch, recording five of her seven saves after halftime including three in the final five minutes. The 'Bows fought off a mad scramble following a corner kick in the 86th minutes before saving two more shots in the 88th minute to seal the deal.
UH owned a 16-11 shot advantage with Sheahan and Damacion leading the way with four each. Carter's goal was the second of the season and of her career, with the other coming in the Rainbow Wahine's other home win vs. Central Arkansas on Aug. 21.
The Rainbow Wahine continue their homestand Sunday with a matchup against UC San Diego at 4 p.m. at Waipi'o Soccer Stadium.
