Castle Girls Look Good For Post-season Play

The OIA girls soccer season has reached the midway point. A look at Windward team prospects for the stretch run is below.

Castle Knights

Record to date: 2-0-2

Must-see game ahead: Jan. 17 at home v. Kailua

Knights at mid-season: They control their own destiny in OIA East with four (Kahuku, Moanalua, Kailua and Kalaheo) of their remaining five contests set to come against teams ranked above them. The outcome of Saturday’s Moanalua game could go a long way in determining the East champion as Na Menehune were the only team still unbeaten as of last weekend. Defense is the Knights’ forte to date. Prior to last weekend’s Kaiser game, the team had given up just one goal in its first four games, shutting out its last three opponents.

Kailua Surfriders

Record to date: 3-1 Must-see game ahead: Saturday at Kaiser

Surfriders at mid-season: Following an opening loss to Moanalua, they rebounded nicely with wins over Kalani 3-2, Kalaheo 2-1 and Farrington 2-0. Kailua’s ability to win the close games should build confidence in the team, which hopes to position itself for post-season. Back-to-back road games versus Castle and Kahuku also will be key. Helena Ankien (four goals) and Kyla Cantillo (2) have carried Kailua offensively.

Kahuku Red Raiders

Record to date: 3-0-1 Must-see game ahead: home Wednesday v. Castle

Red Raiders at mid-season: Kahuku’s 4-1 road win over Kalani Dec. 20 highlighted the first half of the season and showed that the Red Raiders are for real. Whether or not they can stay in the mix in the tougher end of the schedule remains to be seen. This week’s games against Castle and Kaiser (on Saturday) will be critical. The remaining slate includes Kalaheo Jan. 14, league-leader

Moanalua Jan. 17 and Kailua Jan. 21. Helped by their 16-0 win over Kaimuki Dec. 27, Kahuku had out-scored its first four opponents, 27-1. Prior to last weekend, Kamaile Aluli had nine goals, good for fourth overall in the state.

Kalaheo Mustangs

Record to date: 1-4

Must-see game ahead: Feb. 21 at Castle

Mustangs at mid-season: The Mustangs get the award for the toughest schedule out of the gate with Kaiser, Moanalua, Kailua and Kalani among their first five opponents. To fight their way into a playoff berth, games against Farrington Wednesday and McKinley Saturday are “must wins.” Kalaheo will finish with three straight on the road against Kahuku Jan. 14, Kaimuki Jan. 17 and Castle Jan. 21.