Union freshman forward/midfielder Avery Knoop (10) launches the strike that became Union’s second goal of the game – and Knoop’s first in her varsity debut – against Iowa City Regina-Catholic on Monday, March 28, in La Porte City. Union beat Regina 2-1. –Photo by Soren M. Peterson

The Union-North Tama girls soccer team opened their spring season on Monday, March 28, with a firm statement – notching a win 2-1 over Iowa City Regina-Catholic.

Amid brisk winds and under a blue clear sky, the girls played well on their home turf in La Porte City.

The Regals scored their lone goal early in the first half when most of the game appeared to stay in Union territory, prompting Knights head coach Leslie Redinbaugh to at one point tell his team, “You see why we need to run more [during practice]? So we don’t run out of gas.”

Despite Regina recording the first goal, in the end it was Union’s game. The Knights put up a strong defense particularly from keeper Dacey Powell who recorded 12 saves.

The Knights’ pair of goals came from junior Jaiden Bush who scored in the first half and then freshman Avery Knoop who – in her varsity debut – landed the shot that sealed Union’s win with just under 12 minutes remaining in the game.

Union forward Jaiden Bush (9) moves the ball down the field against Iowa City Regina-Catholic during the Knights’ season opener on Monday, March 28, in La Porte City. Bush scored the first of the game for the Knights who beat the Regals 2-1. –Photo by Soren M. Peterson

Bush, Knoop, sophomore Molly Grote, and sophomore Izzy Hallett led the offense for the Knights with Bush and Hallett taking one shot on goal apiece, while Knoop and Grote took four shots on goal apiece.

During the final 11 minutes of the game the Knights defense held strong with senior defender Aubree Monat showing considerable skill.

Union was scheduled to play Cedar Valley Christian in Alburnett on Thursday, March 31, but the game was postponed due to low temperatures.

This week the Knights are set to face Waverly-Shell Rock on the road Tuesday and then the Cedar Falls Tigers at home on Thursday, April 7, beginning at 6:45 p.m. in Knights Stadium.

Union freshman forward/midfielder Avery Knoop (10) moves the ball down field in her high school soccer debut against Iowa City Regina-Catholic on Monday, March 28, in La Porte City. –Photo by Soren M. Peterson

Knights’ keeper Dacey Powell (left) makes a save against Iowa City Regina-Catholic during the Knights’ season opener on Monday, March 28, in La Porte City. Powell recorded 12 saves – only allowing one goal – in Union’s 2-1 win over the Regals. –Photo by Soren M. Peterson

Knights’ defender Aubree Monat (2) launches the ball out of Union territory during the team’s season opener against Iowa City Regina-Catholic on Monday, March 28, in La Porte City. –Photo by Soren M. Peterson

Photo by Soren M. Peterson

Union forward/midfielder, sophomore Molly Grote (16) takes a shot at the goal during the Knights’ season opener on Monday, March 28, in La Porte City. Grote helped lead Union’s offense to a 2-1 win over the Regals. –Photo by Soren M. Peterson