The Union Spartans made their way to Duplin County on Thursday afternoon for a battle on the soccer field with the Wallace-Rose Hill Bulldogs in a game that was originally scheduled for Monday. The Spartans gave the Bulldogs a run for their money in a scoreless first half, but the Bulldogs lit up the scoreboard in the second half, outscoring the Spartans 9-0 to take the win.
The Spartans played great defense in the first half, but with only 15 players in uniform it was difficult for them to keep up with Wallace-Rose Hill, who had several players on the sideline to make substitutions.
The Bulldogs would come out in the second half refreshed and ready to play, scoring nine goals in 20 minutes. Maynor Espinoza scored five of the nine goals. Jose Carcamo and Hector Guevara scored one goal a piece. Jorge Aguilar scored the final two goals.
Union coach David Ameen said he had a young and inexperienced team and it has proven difficult to get the new guys the roles they have to fill from last year. It doesn’t make it any easier when guys are playing injured, Ameen added.
“We had three on the field tonight playing at about 75 percent and they got worn down in the second half. We have four players that are finished for the season due to injury,” noted Ameen.
Union goalkeeper Escobar Subias-Cruz had seven saves in the first half, but went down early in the second half with an injury.
The Spartans now are 0-7 overall and 0-3 in the Four County Conference. Union’s next game is set for Sept. 28 at East Bladen. Wallace-Rose Hill extends its record to 11-2 overall and 3-0 in the Four County Conference. They will play host to East Bladen on Sept. 26.
