West Side Na Koa Soccer Club U12 team members include (from left): top row — Shaun Kana, Tayden Medeiros Maielua, Kekainalu Sanchez, Anetello Flores, Coach Deidre Ruiz-Rockett and Kailineheikekai Casco; bottom row — Sage Steelman, Anthony Viloria, Mathias Collins, Mike Rodriguez, Fetuufoou Taukeiaho and Isidoro Solano Cardenas; and front, at bottom right — Brasil Ruiz-Rockett and Pa‘ani Yap.

LAHAINA – The West Side Na Koa Soccer Club U12 team played an undefeated season, winning their first Hawaii Youth Soccer Association (HYSA) championship.

The 2015-16 season ended for the Na Koa boys on Saturday, Jan. 30, at Keopuolani Park after an intense two-hour match against rivals Maui United 05 Boys of Central Maui.

Coach Deidre Ruiz-Rockett said, “It was one of the most exhilarating games I have experienced either as a coach or as a player. We came from behind, with the score two to three with one minute left to go; and player Anatelo Flores (Lahaina Intermediate School) saved the day with a free kick to equalize the game.”

The amazing shot was game-saving, landing Na Koa in an overtime contest, ultimately ending with penalty shoot-outs.

All five Na Koa players hit their mark in the shootout. Goalie Mike Rodriguez (Lahaina Intermediate) made the winning save to put the end score five to four.

The U10 boys placed second in their division – also a first for the Na Koa Club.