Union Grove advances to WIAA D2 state semifinal with win over DeForest
Union Grove's first-ever program appearance at the WIAA state soccer tournament will culminate at the Division 2 state title game Saturday.
The No. 3 seed Broncos defeated DeForest, 2-0, Thursday night in the D2 semifinal at Uihlein Soccer Park to advance to Saturday's title game against West De Pere.
Union Grove head coach Sean Jung said he emphasized the importance of a strong start to his players on such a big stage.
"It’s an 80-minute game, but the opening minute is just as important as the last minute," Jung said. "I thought we could be aggressive, maybe catch them… long bus ride or whatever it might be. Catch them on their heels, catch them a little bit less focused."
Broncos senior Owen Zikowski wasted no time putting the his team up 1-0, converting a penalty kick opportunity just 24 seconds into the game. The opportunity was set up by sophomore Cade Dobrinska drawing a foul while employing the aggressive mentality Union Grove set out to achieve. Zikowski knew his spot from two previous penalty attempts earlier in the playoff run, and the right-footer drove the ball into the lower-left corner of the net for the early lead.
"Cade Dobrinska made a great move and got fouled in the blocks," Zikowski said. "I just knew in my heart where I was gonna go, and I just buried it exactly where I’ve gone for the last three games. I just thank God for everything he’s given this team and everything he’s given me through it all."
Defenders like junior Jackson Zimmerman were grateful to have an early lead to defend, which players and coaches said relaxed the entire team from the outset.
"Zikowski, he’s just having the greatest season he’s had. He’s there every moment we need him. Every single time, every time we need him, he’s there," Zimmerman said.
In the 23rd minute, Union Grove sophomore Niall Hagen headed in a second tally on a play that started with an Owen Sheahan corner. Having just watched Waukesha West surrender an early 2-0 lead to West De Pere in the preceding D2 semifinal, coach Jung impressed upon his team to stay focused, particularly on defense.
"Give West De Pere credit, they fought hard, got back in the game and then stole it, but we didn’t want to end up in the same fate," Jung said. "We really bunkered in to protect that two-goal lead and played smart soccer."
Freshman goalkeeper Finn Jacobs was rarely tested, but did save the two shots on goal DeForest managed on nine total shot attempts. Jung said the keeper looked poised all game long.
"I don’t think anything bothers him," Jung said. "He’s just even-keel all the time, you can’t phase Finn. Putting a 14-year-old kid in goal and he’s just smooth as butter in the state semifinal, I love it."
The win for Union Grove and the earlier 3-2 win in overtime for West De Pere in the first D2 semifinal set up a state final of two teams making their state debuts. Jung acknowledged the unfamiliar territory both teams will be in, but said he felt the Broncos in particular will be ready to make school history.
"Once the whistle blows, everyone settles in and now its, you’re between the 120-by-80 just like they are, and you have connect passes, you have to create chances, you’ve got to score goals," Jung said. "Our guys especially, once they get in between the lines, we have a really impressive level of composure this year."
More: Waukesha West falls 3-2 in overtime state soccer semifinal to West De Pere
WIAA state boys soccer preview: Schedule, how to watch and a look at the area field
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Union Grove advances to WIAA D2 state semifinal with win over DeForest
