Union Soccer Tops Borgia in District Championship Game

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On Wednesday night, the Union Soccer Lady Cats (21-3, #8 in Missouri State Class 2 Rankings) defeated Borgia (12-8, #11 in Missouri Class 2 State Rankings) 2-1 in OT to win the Missouri Class 2 District 7 Championship.

Going into the district championship game with Borgia, the Union Lady Cats (21-3) knew they would be in for a tough battle.  The contest between Union and Borgia on Wednesday night lived up to the hype as two of the best girls soccer teams in the region battled it out for a trip to the Missouri state playoffs.

After a highly charged and scoreless first half, the Borgia Lady Knights would strike first halfway through the second half when sophomore standout Emily Grahl would win the rebound following her initial shot on a semi-breakaway and finished it to give her team the 1-0 lead.

With about seven minutes remaining in the contest, Union goalkeeper Briana Lakebrink would make an outstanding save to rob Borgia of a second goal following a great scoring opportunity.

Union would keep battling, and sophomore Kaila AuBuchon would score the equalizer with just over 5 minutes remaining in the game off of a corner kick.

The game would remain tied until overtime when Union freshman phenom Beth Coons would score her 55th goal of the season to give Union the 2-1 sudden death OT victory and the 2012 Class 2 District 7 title.

Union’s district title is the team’s 4th since 2004 and the 9th time the team has made it to the championship round in their district in the past 10 years.  

Union clinched its 8th consecutive Four Rivers Conference Championship earlier this season and advances to sectionals where they will face the winner of the St. Dominic/St. Charles West Class 2 District 8 Championship.

The Union Lady Cats would like to dedicate their district championship to the students, faculty, and staff of Union R-XI School District, the Union Athletics Boosters/Supporters,  the City of Union, Union alumni, and all others who have supported Union Soccer now and in the past.  Thanks again for all of your support!