CALIFORNIA — Dominican (CA) snapped a two-game losing streak Thursday with a 2-1 victory over Hawaii Pacific, securing a crucial win in NCAA Division II regional competition. Christian Sotomayor opened the scoring in the 36th minute before Ben Schumann added an insurance goal in the 81st minute. Tyson Norr pulled one back for the Sharks in the 76th minute, but the hosts held firm down the stretch.
The match remained scoreless through the first half despite chances for both teams. Dominican (CA) generated early pressure with Sergio Laguna and Cole Porter testing Hawaii Pacific's defense, while the Sharks countered through Pedro Ashley and Royal Kekuewa. The breakthrough came when Sotomayor capitalized in the 36th minute, assisted by Anthony Stainer and Norman Tellez, giving the home side a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.
Hawaii Pacific emerged with renewed intensity after the interval, creating multiple scoring opportunities. Paul Norberg and Kelly Takara both forced saves from Dominican (CA)'s goalkeeper, keeping the Sharks within striking distance. The pressure finally paid dividends when Norr equalized in the 76th minute, assisted by Norberg, leveling the match at 1-1 and setting up a tense final stretch.
Dominican (CA) regained the lead just five minutes later when Schumann finished in the 81st minute, assisted by Alejandro Suarez-Amaya. The goal proved decisive as Hawaii Pacific could not generate another equalizer despite continued attacking play. Both teams recorded five shots on goal, but Dominican (CA)'s clinical finishing in crucial moments made