JACKSON, Tenn. – The Union University men's soccer team posted a 2-1 victory over No. 17 University of West Florida Friday night at Smith Soccer Complex. Union improved to 3-4 on the season and 1-0 in the Gulf South Conference. West Florida dropped to 5-1 overall and 0-1 in league play.
 
Union head coach Clovis Simas said, "I told my guys it was important to play tonight as if it was the final match of the tournament. They did a great job and gave a great effort for 90 minutes. They played a disciplined game and were very committed to each other."
 
For Union, this marked their third straight game versus teams ranked or receiving votes in the latest NCAA DII National Rankings (Christian Brothers #13, Upper Iowa #27, West Florida #17). The previous two matchups ending in heartbreaking 2-1 losses for Union.
 
Friday brought a 2-1 score but this time in favor of Union. Union trailed early as West Florida scored in the 17^th minute of play. Kameron Bethell scored on a free kick that was smashed into the top right corner of the net for the goal. Union outshot West Florida 5-2 in the first half, but could not shake the early 1-0 deficit.
 
In the second half, the shots were even at five each, but Union connected on two quick strikes to take the lead. Amadeu Guimaraes scored the first of his two goals in the 53^rd minute when he scored on an assist from Paul Langford. Then, just two minutes later, Guimaraes scored on a bicycle kick, assisted by Langford, to give Union the lead. Union's defense held strong, allowing just seven total shots in the game.
 
Matt Kesler had four saves, three coming in the second half. Andre Moreira had two saves for West Florida.
 
Union was led by three players with two shots each including Guimaraes, Rodrigo Zonta and Zac Fletcher. Kameron Bethell led with two shots for West Florida.
 
Up next for Union will be their last of four straight home matches as Spring Hill comes to Union September 27 at 3:15 p.m.
 
#UNION#