By Tim Wester
Sports Correspondent
Big and physical opponents have been tough on the Union Grove girls’ soccer team this season.
Unfortunately for the Broncos, it was another big and physical team that ended their season.
New Berlin West’s superior size and strength proved to be the difference in its 1-0 victory over Union Grove (15-4-4) in a WIAA Division 2 regional final Saturday, June 4.
The Broncos disappointing defeat followed their dominating 7-0 triumph of Milwaukee Ronald Reagan in a regional semifinal Thursday, June 2.
“We were a bit unlucky in the regional final against New Berlin West,” Union grove coach Sean Jung said. “We felt like we were the better team technically and tactically, but they were bigger, stronger, and more physical than we were.”
The Broncos, nevertheless, held their own against the physical Vikings, battling to a scoreless tie at halftime. West’s physical play, however, finally paid dividend in the second half when Hannah Kroupa found the back of the net in 47thtth minute.
“We gave up the winner in the 47th minute when we got split defensively and Kroupa was able to tap it home,” Jung said.
The Broncos had several scoring scoring chances, but were unable to solve goalkeeper Abby Groendal, who preserved the shutout with some nifty goalie play.
”We had two really good chances just before the half when Brieanna McLain forced an impressive save from their keeper on a set piece,” Jung said. “Then we just missed a Natalie Oatsvall pass inside the box. It just wasn’t mean to be.”
Things were certainly meant to be for the Broncos in their 7-0 victory over Reagan in the regional semifinal game.
Alexa Panyk, Oatsvall, and Sam DeLong scored two goals apiece, while Mya Peterson tallied the other goal to propel Union Grove to victory. The Broncos defense was equally impressive as goalie Brianna Johnson helped her team post their school record 16thth shutout of the season.
“We crushed Reagan,” said Jung, whose team also pummeled Reagan 8-0 in a regular season game. “We had plenty of offense in the game.”
Oatsvall started the onslaught with a goal in the 12th minute that was assisted by Peterson. Panyk then scored consecutive goals in the 13th and 15th minute to make it 3-0.
Peterson later added a fourth first half goal for the Broncos to help solidify the blowout.
The second half was all Broncos with Oatsvall and Sam Delong’s two goals making it 7-0.
The seven goal lead was more than enough for Johnson, who stopped both shots she faced from Reagan.
“We set school records with our 16th shutout and 15th win overall,” Jun said. “We had an impressive year.”
What’s even more impressive is that most of the Broncos talented roster, which consisted of eight freshmen, will be back next year. The young and talented Broncos finished a school-best third in the Southern Lakes Conference this season, and may be the best option for ending Burlington’s run of four straight conference titles next year.
“We had our best ever finishes with an overall and conference records,” Jung said. “Our freshmen accounted for over half our goal totals this year and 94% of our offense returns next spring.”
“With eight freshmen that will now be sophomores, our future is very bright.”
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