In a first-round matchup of the 1A/2A conference tournament Monday, the Union Spartans battled through heavy downpours to overwhelm East Columbus by a score of 7-1, advancing to the semifinals and keeping their championship aspirations alive.
Head coach Evert Cruz said the victory reflected both the team’s growth and its resilience after tying the same opponent earlier in the season.
“It was a challenging game knowing that the last time we met with them, we tied,” Cruz pointed out. “This time, it was a must-win for us. We started a little bit slow, but then we found our rhythm as the game developed. Even with the rain for the whole 80 minutes, we were able to overcome that challenge and achieve the goal of moving forward.”
Despite the relentless weather, Union’s offense found its groove early and never looked back, putting away seven goals against a determined East Columbus squad. Cruz praised his players’ mental toughness for maintaining composure and execution under the difficult conditions.
“We definitely have a strong-minded team with a lot of heart,” he said. “They showed that they can overcome adversity. Even though the Hobbton game didn’t go our way, they picked their heads back up and pressed on the gas for this one.”
Defensively, Union was anchored by standout play from Noe Emilio Discua, who helped set the tone from the back line.
“Noe really stepped up,” Cruz said. “He brought that energy that everybody else followed along with. The defense stood tall, but really, the whole team stood out. Everyone was hungry for it.”
Goalkeeper Marcelo Rivas had another strong showing, allowing just one goal on a slick field. Cruz commended his keeper for staying composed in the wet conditions.
“The ball slipped through once because of the rain, but he stayed focused,” Cruz said. “The biggest change in our team this year is that when we get scored on, it’s not the end of the day. We regroup and keep pushing.”
The victory sets up a semifinal matchup against East Bladen, the No. 2 seed in the conference. Cruz said his players are aware of the challenge but remain confident and motivated.
“We know East Bladen will be tough, but we’re going to swing as hard as we can,” he said. “If we can make it to the final and meet Lakewood or Hopton, we’ll be ready for any team. At this point, it’s about who really wants it more.”
Cruz added that the competitiveness across the top four programs—Union, Lakewood, Hopton, and East Bladen—has elevated soccer across Sampson County.
“It’s exciting to see,” he said. “Any of the top four can win it. It’s going to come down to who avoids small mistakes, and that’s what makes this level of soccer exciting.”
The coach credited the program’s turnaround to higher expectations and internal competition within the roster, including the addition of a strong JV team.
“Now, you have to earn your playing time,” Cruz said. “We’ve raised the level of expectations, and the players have responded. Years ago, Union wasn’t in the conversation. Now, we are, and we’re here to compete.”
Union will face East Bladen next, whenever the weather permits, with a trip to the conference championship on the line.