The Hunter Hurricanes men’s team narrowly missed out on adding some silverware to their senior team trophy cabinet after losing 4-3 in penalty shootout in the final of last weeks 41^st Hawaiian Invitational Tournament. The men from the Hunter were undefeated in normal time throughout the entire tournament after topping their playing pool and cruising through their semifinal.

In the final against Soquel Waxem from Northern California, the Hurricanes battled back from 3 goals down to square up the match but were unable to grab the late winner, so the match was forced to go to penalties. Coach Kyle Jones said the ‘performance showed real character’ as the team was left without any substitutes midway through the 3^rd quarter due to injury and a player being fouled out.

In the shootout, the Hurricanes gained the early advantage with goalkeeper Angus Crowley making the first save after the opening 2 penalties, however they were unable to retain this lead and it was left to former Hurricanes import Russell Simpkins to seal the win for Soquel with a well-taken last penalty.

Though disappointed Coach Jones said he was “pleased and proud of how the boys played throughout the tournament” and that it “would hold the team in good stead for the coming Sydney Metropolitan and National League seasons”.

Hurricanes Tournament in brief:

Game 1 vs Kauai (Hawaii) won 19-5 - best Mitchell Baird
Game 2 vs Sunset Masters (San Diego) won 8-6 - best Nick Campbell
Game 3 vs Hawaiian Islands (Hawaii) won 8-7 - best Daniel Streets
Game 4 vs Sunset Blue (San Diego) won 5-0 - best Sam Wheeler
Semi Final vs Sunset Gold (San Diego) won 10-8 - best Angus Crowley
Final vs Soquel Waxem (Northern California) 7-7 lost 4-3 penalty shootout - best Daniel Streets