Roosevelt advanced to the state quarterfinals for the first time with a 1-0 win over Kamehameha-Hawai'i in the first round of the Meadow Gold Dairies/HHSAA Boys State Soccer Championships yesterday at Waipi'o Peninsula Soccer Park.

Sophomore midfielder Keenan Seguancia scored in the 44th minute on an assist from junior midfielder Leslie Nwapa as the Rough Riders (10-2-2) advanced to play O'ahu Interscholastic Association champion and second-seeded Kapolei (12-2-0) today at 3 p.m. in the stadium.

"We didn't play good in the first half, but we picked it up in the second half," Seguancia said. "The coaches gave us a good speech at halftime. He said we could play in the stadium if we won. We got fired up."

Four minutes into the second half, Nwapa chipped a cross from the right side into the 18-yard box that Seguancia ran on to.

"It went right to my feet," Seguancia. "The goalie was going in the other direction, and I put it into the right corner."

Roosevelt easily handled the Big Island Warriors, dominating possession and creating numerous shots-on-goal opportunities.

With the combination of Nwapa distributing balls from the middle and the attacking ability of Alex Fowler and Ryan Pena up top, the Rough Riders created enough chances to keep the Warriors on their heels.

It's been a common theme for Roosevelt all season, to outshoot an opponent but fail to put it in the goal.

"We did all right today ... just enough to win," Roosevelt coach Ed Ota said. "(Our players) were flat today, but I give Kamehameha credit. They were tough."

Ota credited goalkeeper Ikaika Martell and defender Keoni Martell for keeping the Warriors in the game.

"It could have been 4-0" if it weren't for the Martell brothers, Kamehameha coach Mario Patino said.

"Roosevelt is a very physical team and they play with a lot of intensity, and we don't get that on the Big Island," Patino said. "Technically, we're the same, but it's a matter of how intense you are."

OTHER MATCHES

LEILEHUA 2, KAPA'A 0

Bryant Ortiz (45th minute) and Syd Tom (51st) scored second-half goals for the Mules.

KALANI 3, KALAHEO 1

Danny Higa (29th), Carter Kam (39th) and Kenn Kamoto (67th) scored for the Falcons.

Joshua Amoroso scored in the 47th minute for the Mustangs.

PUNAHOU 1, KEALAKEHE 0

Caton Smith scored in the 56th minute for the Buffanblu, the defending state champions.

"I think the thing about the state tournament is when teams come in from the other islands, you aren't sure what to expect," Punahou coach Bob Clague said.

Reach Leila Wai at lwai@honoluluadvertiser.com.