With two injured defenders on the bench and some sluggish early play by the team, Union’s Spartans just couldn’t hold off James Kenan’s Tigers who were determined to defend their home turf. They did just that, defeating Union 4-2 in the pair’s first conference math of the season.

“We struggled a bit,” said coach David Ameen. “We just aren’t moving the ball the way we did in our first game. We had some moments of good things, but them we had some things we didn’t do all that well. We just played spotty.”

A physical battle last week against Spring Creek left two Union defenders injured and unable to play against James Kenan, and another player bruised but working the field.

“That was tough, too, having a couple out and others playing banged up. It just wasn’t our best night,” Ameen said.

The Spartans got their first goal about 15-16 minutes into the first half, with Yoni Martinez hitting pay dirt off an assist from Maqricio Amaya.

The second goal came about 10 minutes after the break when Spartan Cesar Cordenas sent one to Chaynne Lopez who hit the back of the net to give Union 2.

“Overall, we struggled on offense because we were trying to make up for our defense. We were running a 3-5-2, trying to push it to get some early scores. We did get some points on the board, but it seems like they’d come right back and make the goals they needed to make,” Ameen said.

The loss moves Union’s record to 1-1-1. They host Pender Wednesday in the second conference match of the season. Game time is 5 p.m.