Since Leilehua boys soccer coach Carl Friedl took over in 2000, the Mules had never beaten Mililani nor won an O'ahu Interscholastic Association West Division title.

They took care of both things last night.

Ryan Wert scored in the 66th minute when the host Trojans couldn't clear a corner kick, and Leilehua won the West, 1-0.

"It's huge for us. It's huge for the boys," Friedl said. "We've never beaten Mililani since I've been coaching."

Syd Tom's corner kick from the right side was deflected to Wert, who put a shot from about 10 yards away into the left side of the net.

"We just kept it in, I trapped it and took a shot and it bounced in," said Wert, a junior midfielder.

Friedl noted it could have been Leilehua's biggest victory since winning the 1978 OIA title.

"We've been getting better and better every year, improving," Friedl said. "We've been blessed with some talent the last three years."

"The senior crew that we got has pretty much been here the whole time. They've been a huge part of any success that we have."

Joining Leilehua (9-1) in the OIA tournament will be 'Aiea (8-2), Kapolei (8-2), Pearl City (7-2-1), Mililani (7-2-1) and Waialua (4-5-1).

Mililani's best scoring chance may have been on the first possession of the game when Kelsey Kikugawa moved in on goal, but the Leilehua goalie caught the driving shot over his left shoulder.

The Trojans had the better scoring opportunities in the second half, but Leilehua broke through on Wert's goal.

When the corner kick was deflected, Wert was standing in the middle of the field and calmly put it in the back of the net.

"I had a lot of space to work with," he said. "My teammates were helping me. They were opening up for me and giving me space and opportunities."

Wert said he wasn't sure how the ball got in.

"It may have bounced over someone's foot and gone in the goal," he said.

Mililani coach Jeff Yamamoto said: "That's how high school soccer is. Just one play.

"I thought Leilehua played together," he added.

The OIA tournament will start Jan. 24. Six teams from the West and six from the East will be competing.

Reach Kyle Sakamoto at ksakamoto@honoluluadvertiser.com.