Posted on: Tuesday, September 25, 2001

UH Wahine
Northridge cancels match with Wahine

Advertiser Staff

The University of Hawai'i will not pay the appearance fee to the Cal State Northridge women's soccer team after the Matadors canceled last night's scheduled match at Waipi'o Peninsula Soccer Stadium.

The Matadors had complained about the officiating in a 3-2 victory over the Wahine Saturday.

At 1 yesterday afternoon, the Matadors informed UH officials they would not play in last night's scheduled rematch. Matador coach Allison Lee could not be reached for comment.

"In our eyes, it doesn't appear they have a legitimate cause for canceling the game," UH athletic director Hugh Yoshida said. "My information was they weren't happy with the officiating, although they won the game on Saturday. They felt, maybe, the officiating wasn't up to par. Nobody is totally satisfied with officiating, even in the NFL, even in professional soccer. I don't think that's a valid reason not to show up for the game."

Yoshida said the Wahine were expected to pay the Matadors "a small guarantee." The amount usually is paid at the completion of the series.

The canceled match "does not fulfill their obligation," Yoshida said.

UH does not charge admission to its home matches, which are played on city property. But Yoshida said UH is stuck with "some facility costs."

Yoshida said he will speak with Northridge officials before deciding what action to pursue. But he indicated the cancelation, at least, would prevent the Wahine from scheduling the Matadors in the near future.

Although it was a nonconference match, Yoshida said, "the more you play, the better off you are" for postseason consideration.

"I'm not sure what the ramifications are," he said, "but we'll look at all of our options."

Northridge was one of three teams scheduled to participate in the Outrigger Hotels & Resorts Soccer Festival. When Eastern Illinois canceled in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks, Northridge agreed to play Hawai'i twice.

The Wahine are scheduled to play road matches at St. Mary's, Sacramento State and California this weekend.