By Tim Wester
Sports Correspondent
Could this be the year that the Union Grove boy’s soccer team finally turns the program around?
Broncos coach Sean Jung certainly sees the potential. Union Grove returns a talented and experienced roster that could be a sleeper in the Southern Lakes Conference.
“Historically Union Grove boys soccer’s best overall record was 6-13-2 in 2010, finishing 2-6-1 in the Southern Lakes Conference,” Jung said. “This year’s team should eclipse both of those marks if we stay healthy. With 9 seniors in the lineup and 9 returning starters, we will be very experienced.”
The experienced Broncos will also be motivated to improve upon last season’s 5-15 overall record and 1-7-1 in the Lakes.
“We return every key contributor from last season,” Jung said. “These kids are hungry to respond with a strong season.”
Leading the way for Union Grove this season are second team All-Southern Lakes Conference performers junior forward Daniel Rivera (8 goals and 3 assists) and senior midfielder Nick Jaworski (11 goals, 11 assists). Both Rivera and Jaworski are poised to build off their successful 2013 season.
Joining Rivera and Jaworski is second team All-Racine County junior defender Ian Kramer. Other performers expected to make big contributions include senior midfielder Ian Perkins and junior defender Dylan Rodriguez and junior goalkeeper Hayden Howard.
“Perkins will make our arial attack very strong, and junior Dylan Rodriguez is our workhorse,” Jung said. “And our goalkeeper, Hayden Howard could be the best goalkeeper in the Southern Lakes Conference if he stays healthy. So our defense could be very good this year.”
Joining the Broncos’ standouts in the starting lineup will be senior forward Brandon Staven, midfielders Zach Rasmussen, Max Wagner, and Nick Hempel, and defender Colin Killberg.
Senior forward Alfredo Martin, whom Jung calls his most talented player, will also see vital playing time after he returns from a four-game suspension for an athletic code violation.
Union Grove will also feature a talented bench that includes sophomore defender C.J. Mauer, senior midfielder Hunter Wagner, and sophomore midfielder Kinsey Hourigan.
The deep and talented Broncos will need to be better in close games in order to improve their record this season.
“Eight of our losses last year were by one goal, including two overtime losses,” Jung said. “We have to believe we’re good enough to win the close games and good things will happen.”
The Broncos kicked off the season yesterday at home against Racine Lutheran in nonconference schedule. Other nonconference opponents for the Broncos include Beloit Memorial, Janesville Parker, and Racine Case. The conference season begins Sept. 4 at home against Burlington.
“In league play, only Delavan-Darien and Lake Geneva Badger will be a step ahead of us,” Jung said.
The Broncos conclude their regular season Oct. 8 against nonconference opponent Veritas Academy.
As for the postseason, Jung would like to see his team make a playoff run. Jung said health will be a key to success.
“We have to stay aggressive all season long, regardless of any potential setback,” Jung said. “Here’s to hoping we stay healthy and things will be looking quite optimistic.”
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