CPHS Soccer: Sandites fall 4-0 to nationally-ranked State Champions from Union

The last time the Union High School boys’ soccer team visited Veterans Memorial Stadium, it was in last season’s 6A State Finals when they blanked Jenks 4-0 for the Championship. They returned Friday and did the same to Charles Page High School (10-2, 3-2), holding the Sandites to their first scoreless match of the season.

The nationally-ranked No. 12 Redskins (9-3, 5-0) completely stymied a historically potent Sandite offense that averages three goals per game to remain perfect in district action with only a week left in the regular season.

Standout Sandite sophomore Fernando Saldana came out eager, taking a gorgeous shot in the first minute that Union keeper Miguel Bustos barely tipped out, but that was about as close as the Sandites would get. Bustos saved a Saldanda header in the 15th minute, and Jack Bratcher nearly deflected one in off the keeper in the 23rd.

The Redskins tallied seven shots on goal in the first half. Ethan Tippit saved one, one bounced one off the post, and Johnny Rodriguez put the team on the board in the 22nd minute for a 1-0 halftime lead.

Bustos managed to deflect a shot from Luke Jeffus in the 47th minute and saved the corresponding corner kick from Bratcher. Tippit made three more saves but gave up two more goals and Xander Quiroga relieved him in the box.

Anthony Reyes and Isaias Anaya notched goals for Union in the second half. Bratcher made one last run on goal as time expired but his shot was deflected out of bounds as time expired.

Union only needs to win one more match to clinch the district title and their post season berth is secure. They will host Capitol Hill (5-7, 2-3) Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. The Sandites will travel to Owasso (8-5, 4-1) Tuesday at 8:00 p.m.

District 6A-4 Standings
4-0 Union (6-1)
3-1 Owasso (7-5)
3-4 Sand Springs (11-1)
2-2 Edmond Santa Fe (5-7)
2-2 Capitol Hill (5-6)
1-3 Norman (7-3)
1-3 Sapulpa (5-7)
0-4 Shawnee (8-4)

Goals
10 Fernando Saldana
4 Jeffus
4 Bratcher
4 Gustavo Saldana
1 Munoz
1 Cox
1 Esparza
1 Franco
1 Quinton
1 Brooks

Penalty Kicks
3 Fernando Saldana
3 Fancher
2 Jeffus
2 Gustavo Saldana
1 Cox
1 Summerton

Total Scores
13 Fernando Saldana
6 Jeffus
6 Gustavo Saldana
4 Bratcher
3 Fancher
2 Cox
1 Munoz
1 Esparza
1 Franco
1 Quinton
1 Summerton
1 Brooks