Union’s soccer team, which has soared into the top ten rankings in MaxPreps.com’s latest soccer poll, became the first North Carolina 1A soccer team in 2015 to become 5-0, after defeating cross-county rivals, Hobbton, 5-1 on Monday.

Union got on the board early with a goal from Jose Gonzales. Irvin Ocampo added another before halftime to give the Spartans a 2-0 lead entering the break.

Following halftime, Ocampo picked up where he left off, and added another goal to the Spartan total. He would score once more on the evening, giving him a hat trick.

Union’s other goal was scored by Arcenio Najera.

Hobbton’s stats were unavailable at press time.

“5-0 is the best start that the program has gotten off to since I have been here,” said Union’s head coach, David Ameen. “It’s also our first win over Hobbton since I have been here, which is a big deal to us, because they have a great program, and they have a fantastic team and coaching staff this year. We are fortunate to be ranked seventh in the state right now, and I wish I could take the credit for that, but the truth is, these guys really make my job easy. They are all so talented, and such skilled soccer players, but they never settle. They are always coming out to practice and ready to work hard. Their minds are always on getting better, and as a coach, you can’t ask for much more than that.”

Ameen also mentioned how grateful he is for the support that the Union community has been showing for the soccer program this season.

Hobbton’s head coach, Jonathan Jacobs, was not pleased with the outcome of the game, but noted that once his team gets healthy, they will be just fine.

“We are about a month away from being completely healthy, and that is slowing down the progress a bit, but we just need to get our feet under us. There is a lot of work to be done, but we will get there, and we’ll be fine,” he said.

Union, 5-0, is set to host the Spartans in a rematch on Wednesday at 6 p.m.

By Adam Capps

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Union’s David Moore battles the Wildcat for possession.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_HHS-UHS-11.jpgUnion’s David Moore battles the Wildcat for possession.