Maui Youth Soccer Team Earns State Cup Title

Maui United Soccer Club’s 2005 Boys team earned the title in the 2019 Hawaiʻi Youth Soccer Association’s Hawaiʻi State Cup held over the weekend on Oʻahu.

Bailey Hoffman challenges for a ball. PC: Shelley Merchant.

Over the course of the three day tournament, MUSC beat Rush Hawaiʻi Nero 5-0, Nā Hoa 5-0, Excel Maui 1-0, FC Hawaiʻi 3-1 and beat Rush Hawaiʻi 1-0 in the final. Overall, the team finished the tournament with 15 goals and had just 1 scored against them.

MUSC’s Director of Coaching and 2005 Boys Head Coach Brent Nunes said, “This group of players have been together for the last five to six years, working hard and committing to the process.  This state title is truly a result of years of hard work and commitment from players, parents and our staff.  MUSC’s mission has always been to use this game to teach life lessons and character in our student-athletes. This moment and state title are a perfect example of what happens when players and families commit and trust in our process.”

Bella Ayau, MUSC’s only girl drives towards the goal. PC: Shelley Merchant.

MUSC faced defending State Cup Champions Rush Hawaiʻi in the final played at Waipiʻo Stadium this past Sunday. In the final minute of the game, Kaulia Shiroma subbed in to find himself taking a free kick just outside the 18-yard box. Shiroma drove a ball to the backside of the net, where Jacob Grossman drove the ball home to seal a 1-0 lead. Just 40 seconds later, the referee blew the whistle, and MUSC 2005 Boys claimed their first State title as HYSA Hawaiʻi State Cup Champions.

In a recap of tournament highlights, midfielders Bailey Hoffman and Jacob Grossman scored seven goals each, while Duke Romanchak scored one. Team representatives say defensive players Brayden Barbosa Briones, Jaiden Barbosa, Owen Riecke, Kaz Kinoshita, along with goalkeeper Jadon Valdez played stellar defense, allowing only one goal against them in the tournament.

The team will continue on to represent Hawaiʻi at the US Far West Regional Championship in Boise, Idaho in June.