Union City soccer locked up second place in District 12A and earned a host role in next week’s tournament semifinals with a 2-1 win over the McKenzie Rebels.
School Communications Director Mike Hutchens said the Tornadoes (7-2-3) won despite playing the last 20 minutes with just 10 players after receiving a red card.
Joseph Lattus booted home the game-winning goal midway through the second half, and Ka’Jaylon Bell and Jayce Rogers combined for 12 saves for the Twisters. Silverio Acevedo accounted for UC’s other goal.
Marcos Landeros set up both Tornado goals and became the program’s all-time leader in assists with those passes.
“Before the game, I challenged the guys, and they rose to it and played one of their best matches of the season,” UC head coach Travis VanHooser said. “Carter Wilson was our defensive player of the game. He did an effective job against two of their best players in the midfield.
“Ka’Jaylon (Bell) also stepped up huge in goal and had multiple key saves for us. I’m very proud of Marcos, too, with his career accomplishments.”
The Tornadoes’ first-round home match will be played on Tuesday at 6:00.
