RAINBOW WAHINE SOCCER
Rainbow Wahine looking for scores this week
The Hawaii Rainbow Wahine soccer players will try to find an answer to why can't they score more goals when they create so many good opportunities.
The UH defense has answered its challenge by blanking six opponents for a minuscule 0.30 goals-against average.
So far, the young offense has found the net 10 times in nine matches, has been shutout twice and played two scoreless, double overtime games.
Hawaii hosts Detroit Mercy of the Horizon League tomorrow and plays Cal State Northridge of the Big West Conference on Monday in the Ohana Hotels & Resorts Invitational at the Waipio Peninsula Soccer Park Stadium.
"Scoring is an art and you have to have a nose for it," said UH coach Pinsoom Tenzing.
"There are certain things that can be done to improve scoring chances. One is to calm down in front of the goal. We're missing too many easy goals. Having said that, I'm really pleased with the way they are playing.
"I tell them before every game that I have no doubt they will play terrific soccer. Then I ask rhetorically, are they going to score goals?"
The Detroit Mercy Titans (2-4) also have struggled finding the net this year with all four losses being shutouts, three by 1-0 scores. Their wins have come against Toledo 1-0 and Saginaw Valley State 2-1.
The Northridge Matadors (4-4) will be looking for their first road win after three losses, including a tough 1-0 defeat Sunday at UCLA, the top team in the two West Region polls.
The Matadors have played three Western Athletic Conference teams, losing to Fresno State 2-0 but defeating Utah State 2-1 and Idaho 7-2.
The Wahine will continue to pressure the ball with players squeezing in from either side to help the teammate confronting an opponent with the ball. This requires constant rotation as strikers slide back to help midfielders and midfielders do the same for defenders
The tactic has worked well so far this season.
"The way we play, everybody has to be on song (in tune) including the referees. If anyone is having a bad day, then our team suffers," Tenzing said.