The Union Spartan soccer team lost a hard battle Saturday against the Wallace-Rose Hill Bulldogs. The Spartans ended their season in the second round of the playoffs, but they gave the Bulldogs a tough match.

Coming into the match, both teams knew this was going to be an intense game that was unable to predict. Spartan, Marco Baltazar, was first to find the net less than halfway into the first half, giving the Spartans the early lead.

However, later, Wallace was awarded a penalty kick, in which they scored. This 1-1 tie would be taken into the half.

The second half was struggle of control. The ball seemed to go back and forth across the field causing a seesaw battle. Wallace found an opening and scored at the 19:54 mark. The Spartans rallied and Xavy Lazo, at the 8:38 mark, found the back of the net from an assist by Brandon Castro. The defenses kept a strong presence leading the teams into overtime with a score of 2-2.

During the first and second sets of 10 minutes into overtime, neither team could find the net. As in playoff ruling, the match then went into a set of 5 minutes in which the first team to make a goal automatically takes the win. The first five minutes saw little action towards the goals. The Wallace Bulldogs were able to break away at the 2:24 mark in the second 5 minutes and score, giving them the win.

“I’ve been involved in the game of soccer for over 20 years, either as a player or coach, and I don’t think I have ever been more proud of any team I’ve ever been apart of,” head coach David Ameen said.

Ameen was saddened by the loss and end of the season but he is still stunned at how well his team actually did this soccer season. “My guys accomplished more things this season that no other team from Union has ever done before, and I think that speaks to the volumes to their work ethic and dedication.”

The Spartan coach also looks toward the future of the Spartan soccer program. “If this season is any indicator, Union soccer is on the verge of big things and I am excited to see what the future holds for the program,” he concluded.

The Union Spartans had a great season and fought hard against the Bulldogs the entire game. The team also expressed that they would like to commend Cesar Ocampo for the great saves he made today and as being the keeper this season.

Ameen mentioned how important all the players have been for the hard work and adjustments they’ve had to make throughout the season.

By Anna Moore

Sports Writer

Union forward, Irvin Ocampo pursues the ball upon pressure by a Wallace defensive player.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_DSC_0955.jpgUnion forward, Irvin Ocampo pursues the ball upon pressure by a Wallace defensive player.