The Union University men’s and women’s soccer teams concluded their seasons on Friday, Oct. 31 with losses to Gulf South Conference rival, Christian Brothers University.
The men’s team finished 3-11 overall, and 2-7 in GSC play.
“This was a hard season to get through,” said Matt Kesler, junior philosophy major and goalkeeper. “Our record does not do our team justice. Almost every game we lost was by a one-goal margin. We fought hard in every game, but could not catch a break.”
This was Union’s first season as an active member of NCAA Division II and the transition was hard for the Bulldogs.
“I think we made strides in building team chemistry that we never had before,” said Chip Crockarell, a senior defender who is earning his MBA during his last year of eligibility. “My favorite thing about this team was that despite some tough situations in the middle of the season, we finished strong.”
The Bulldogs won two of their last three games.
This season was hard for many of the seniors on the team, who endured a tough last season for their careers, but they said they look back fondly on their time at Union and are encouraged by some of the younger players on the team.
“The rest of the guys wanted to send the seniors out on a good note and we wanted to give them a taste of what they have the potential to be in the future,” said Crockarell. “These four years have been some of the most fun times in my life. I have made many lasting friendships and I am so grateful for the opportunity that Union has given me to play and study at this university. I have been blessed with a lot of opportunities to play, a healthy career and friends and coaches that have made huge impacts on my life.”
Alex Pratt, senior marketing major and forward on the team, said, “Playing for Union for four years has been a dream. There isn’t any other way I would have had it. This season we showed that we can play with the best, and that Union’s program has a bright future.”
Despite the tough losses this season, the Bulldogs had four players make the GSC All-Conference teams. Nil Cierco, freshman midfielder, made the first team, while Alex Pratt (forward), Matt Kesler (goalie) and Guilherme Dorigo (midfielder) all made the second team.
With the end of this season, returning players have already turned their focus towards next fall’s soccer season.
“We will be preparing mentally and physically, starting now, to gain that edge over our opponents and obtain our goal of a conference championship,” said Kesler.
The Lady Bulldogs finished with a 3-13 overall record and a 1-11 record in GSC play.
“This season has been a very tough one,” said Isaac Brooks, Lady Bulldogs head coach. “We have had an unreal number of injuries. We had seven starters out for our senior night. It’s just been tough to plan and prepare when you constantly have to adjust.”
Much like the men’s team, the Lady Bulldogs said they fought hard on the field all season and worked to show the character of the university.
“Despite everything, our girls have adapted and fought through,” Brooks said. “They showed our team’s character when most girls would have given up. The leadership of some of our players helped our players to play as hard as they could and I am extremely proud of them.”
The Lady Bulldogs said they are also looking ahead to playing better next season.
“Ending the season was bittersweet,” said Kayleigh Patterson, sophomore broadcast journalism major and midfielder. “We were sad to end on a loss and losing our seniors, but the team needs to recover from injuries. I am very hopeful about next season. We will be healthy again and our team will be much stronger and deeper. By next August, we will be ready to compete and win games.”
The Lady Bulldogs also had players recognized on the GSC All-Conference teams. Sophomores Katlyn Dupree, pre-pharmacy major and forward, and Patterson both made the second team.
