Union University’s men’s and women’s soccer teams played on Sept. 17 at Lee University and Sept. 19 at Shorter University.
Going into the game against Lee, the men’s soccer team was ranked No. 8 nationally, the highest their program has ever been ranked. The team lost to Lee 2-1 during overtime when Union’s goalie was called for a foul, and Lee took advantage of the penalty kick to win the game.
The men’s team finished their weekend with a double-overtime win of 4-3 against Shorter. Union started off the game with a goal at the 10-minute mark, but Shorter soon responded with a goal of their own. Gavin Scott, senior exercise science major, proceeded to score two goals during the game. However, not long after, Shorter tied it up. During double-overtime Scott scored the third goal, completing his hat trick and giving Union its fourth win of the season.
Men’s assistant coach Kent Katzman attributes the wins to a solid group of returners.
“Having so many returners from last season mixed with a good group of incoming guys will help us from an experience standpoint as we really get into the heart of the season,” Katzman said.
The women’s team had a similar experience to the men’s team, losing to Lee 4-1. Lee pulled ahead early, scoring a goal in the ninth minute. The score remained 1-0 for the next 25 minutes, but goals at the 32 and 36 minute marks pulled Lee even further ahead. The Lady Flames got their fourth goal early in the second half. However, sophomore nursing major Hannah Patterson scored Union’s first goal of the season at the 70 minute mark when she converted on a penalty kick.
The Lady Bulldogs finished out the weekend by gaining their first victory of the season against Shorter. Union outshot Shorter in the first half 12-1, while both teams managed 4 shots in the second. The final score was 1-0 with Union’s only goal being scored by graduate student Annika Weidner.
“Our team has put in the work and are more importantly trying to have fun this year,” said Holly Trisdale, Spanish and applied linguistics double major. “Covid was hard for keeping team morale up since we didn’t have a real season.”
Up next, both teams will play in their first home games of the season as they host Auburn Montgomery Friday, Sept. 24 during Union’s Family Weekend.