Gallardo, Kamanawa share top honor
By Leila Wai
Advertiser Staff Writer
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In the league's first foray into two divisions for boys soccer, Kailua midfielder Gary Gallardo and Nanakuli defender Brandon Kamanawa shared O'ahu Interscholastic Association White Division Player of the Year honors in a vote by league coaches.
Gallardo "has been one of the most highly-skilled players in our division," Kailua coach Rudy Lewis said. "He has improved quite a bit in fitness and strength, which has allowed him to play very well on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball."
Lewis said Gallardo's ability to distribute and his vision of the field are his biggest strengths. He was an OIA East second-team selection last season.
With Kamanawa patrolling the backfield, the Golden Hawks allowed nine goals in 10 games.
Lewis called him a "standout" on his team.
Kailua's Mathew Nakata and Kahuku's Branden Galapia, who led the White East with 10 goals apiece, along with Campbell's Devin Alcosiba, who scored eight goals in the White West, were the forwards named to the first team.
Gallardo, Wai'anae's Terrance Akao, Nanakuli's Bryant Woolsey, who scored a league-high 11 goals, and Campbell's Leland Gomez are the first-team midfielders.
Four defenders were selected to the first team: Kamanawa, Kailua's James Crowell, Campbell's Christian Pategnat and Wai'anae's Bronson Panui.
Kailua goalkeeper Marco Abazan was the first-team goalkeeper after allowing 11 goals in 10 games.
Kailua's Lewis was named the OIA White Coach of the Year.
Reach Leila Wai at lwai@honoluluadvertiser.com.
