‘Iolani found redemption and an ILH title.

A loss to Mid-Pacific last month snapped the Raiders’ 22-game win streak that dated back to 2013. In Saturday morning’s rematch, the Raiders showed the extent of their growth since that loss, beating host Mid-Pacific 2-0 and clinching the ILH boys soccer title with the victory.

“We were riding that win streak, we hadn’t lost a game dating back to (2013), plus half the team was new, so I think a lot of the new guys were taking it for granted,” said Max Ching, who scored a goal for ‘Iolani. “But we lost the game and a lot of us felt angry and emotional. This game was just a lot of us playing our hearts out and wanting to get that win and redeem ourselves.”

Keoni Simon also scored for the Raiders (9-1-1). ‘Iolani goalkeeper Danny Leong had a strong performance in the goal to help shut out Mid-Pacific (7-2-2).

“The biggest difference was the way the ball bounced,” Mid-Pacific coach Jayson Abe said. “They had some fortunate bounces and they found the back of the net.”

Ching scored in the game’s opening minutes, heading in Spencer Ho’s free kick. Simon scored in the 61st minute, collecting a loose ball in the box and shooting into an open goal.

“I think we got outplayed today, but I think the thing our team showed us today was we’re going to play with a lot heart, and we’re not going to give up,” Ching said. “I think that early goal made us feel confident and showed we’ve been working hard all week. The coaches, the managers, we all just wanted to win this game and clinch that (state) seed.”

Ching said the team has worked better together over the course of the season. Now, the Raiders have an opportunity to defend their state title.

“In the beginning, because half the team is new this year, we didn’t click that well. As the season went on, we were playing for each other and now we’re playing as one team.”

As the ILH champion, ‘Iolani will receive a first-round bye and play on Oahu for the quarterfinals as opposed to traveling to Kamehameha-Maui during opening weekend on Feb. 20 and 21. Punahou (8-2-2) will be the ILH’s second team at states.

“It’s really going to help us in the long run, playing at home, in front of our fans, sleeping in your own bed,” Ching said.

Mid-Pacific will be the ILH’s lone representative in the state Division II tournament that starts Feb. 26. If the Owls want to defend their D-II state title, Abe said, they’ll need to limit set pieces.

“One would be minimizing set pieces, minimizing silly fouls,” said Abe. “The first goal was from about 30 yards out in the first minute of play. Right then and there, it gave them a good opportunity and they capitalized on it. Minimizing set pieces defensively and getting ourselves organized and well defended for those set pieces.”