By Tim Wester
Sports Correspondent
Facing a daunting sectional, the Union Grove girls soccer team fell short of its quest for a deep postseason run.
The sixth-seeded Broncos, who had six of the state’s top 10 teams in their sectional, were knocked off 3-1 by state-ranked New Berlin Eisenhower in a WIAA Division 1 Regional Final in New Berlin, Saturday, June 3.
The disappointing loss overshadowed the Broncos’ commanding 7-0 victory over Greenfield in a regional semifinal Thursday, June 1.
“We were disappointed to only get a sixth seed in our sectional after having such a great season,” said Union Grove coach Sean Jung, who directed his team to a 16-3-2 record. “But until we earn respect, we’re not going to get any from a lot teams.”
Jung’s words held true against New Berlin Eisenhower.
After jumping out to a 1-0 lead early in the first half, the Grove gave up three unanswered goals the rest of the way and fell 3-1.
“It doesn’t help to have six of the top 10 teams in the state in our sectional,” Jung said. “It also doesn’t help that we had to face one of them on the road in the regional final.”
Despite the tough seeding, the Broncos got the upper hand in the 12th minute when Nixie Grajera took a deflect clear and booted a goal past the outstretched arms of the Eisenhower goalie. That made it 1-0 Union Grove.
Eisenhower evened the contest in the 31st minute on a cross that floated into the far side-netting.
The score remained 1-1 into the second half before Eisenhower successfully converted two breakaway goals in the 47th and 78th minutes to take control, 3-1.
“Eisenhower had girls that were bigger than me,” Jung said. “They were bigger, faster, and stronger than us at just about every position. Given that, our girls battled their hearts out as they usually do.”
The Broncos had a much easier time against Greenfield in a regional semifinal.
Freshman Kendra Hoffman and Sophomore Natalie Oatsvall each scored a pair of goals, while seniors Mya Peterson and Sam Delong, and sophomore Alexa Panyk also tallied goals to lead the way to 7-0 victory.
The commanding win gave the Broncos a school-record 16 victories this season.
Freshman goalkeeper Mia Guyton stopped one shot to tie the school record with 16 shutouts this season.
The Broncos didn’t have long to celebrate before running into New Berlin Eisenhower. The young and inexperienced Broncos figure to be even tougher next season as the underclassmen continue to mature.
“We would have needed to play just about flawless to beat that team,” Jung said. “But in years to come, we’re going to take it to them. “We’re just too young and too small at this point.”
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