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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 11:14 p.m., Thursday, February 7, 2008

Controversial endings to State D2 soccer matches

By Kalani Takase
Advertiser Staff Writer

WAIPAHU — Three of today's four quarterfinal games at the JN Automotive Group/HHSAA Boys Division II Soccer State Championships were terminated with about 20 minutes left in the second half.

Rain began midway through the first half of the 3 p.m. games and continued until play was called.

"The games were terminated because of field conditions," said HHSAA Director of Information Natalie Webb. "The officials decided the fields were not playable and not safe."

As a result Kapa'a topped fourth-seeded Kahuku, 4-0, Kamehameha-Hawai'i defeated No. 3 Seabury Hall, 2-0 and second seed Mid-Pacific edged Hawai'i Prep, 1-0. The fourth quarterfinal between top-seeded Honoka'a and Kaua'i will resume at 10 a.m. tomorrow on Field No. 5. The teams were in a scoreless tie when play was suspended, but will restart with a 10-minute, sudden-death overtime.

Players had difficulty dealing with the elements that left the outside fields at Waipi'o Peninsula Soccer Complex heavily saturated.

"It sucked," said Mid-Pacific sophomore Kennedy Spencer. "We couldn't even move the ball because it would stop dead in the puddles."

Coaches also were not happy with the matches being called with 20 minutes left.

Reach Kalani Takase at ktakase@honoluluadvertiser.com.