Union-North Tama’s Molly Grote (16) works to turn the ball against the offense after chasing it down during the Knights’ Tuesday, April 12, game at home against the Cedar Falls Tigers. Grote has been an offensive standout for the Knights this season. –Photo by Ruby F. Bodeker

After beating Benton Community the day prior (2-1), the Class 1A No. 12-ranked Union-North Tama girls soccer team moved to 2-2 for the season following a 6-0 loss at home to the 3A No. 13 Cedar Falls Tigers on Tuesday, April 12.

If not for the Knights’ dominant defensive duo of keeper Dacey Powell and defender Aubree Monat, the split likely could have been even higher as the two found themselves facing the Tigers’ offense in Union territory the majority of the game.

Amid fierce winds that helped send the ball out of bounds with ease, the Tigers scored within 90 seconds of kickoff in contrast to the Knights’ first attempt on the goal, which didn’t take place until nearly 24 minutes into the first half.

Cedar Falls appeared to be the quicker team but there were flashes of Union’s capabilities despite the offense spending little time with the ball — particularly from sophomore forward Molly Grote whose foot- work was every bit as good as that of her competitors.

Keeper Powell made an impressive 19 saves during the game, while Grote was the offensive leader for the Knights with three shots on goal. A night earlier in Van Horne, Grote was also the offensive leader, scoring the Knights a pair of goals.

Union-North Tama keeper Dacey Powell stands ready inside the goal during a penalty kick on April 12 at home in La Porte City against the Cedar Falls Tigers. –Photo by Ruby F. Bodeker

Following a cancelation against Cedar Rapids Jef- ferson on Thursday, April 14, due to weather, Union- North Tama was next set to play on Monday at home against 1A No. 5 Dike-New Hartford (5-0), followed by a match against 1A No. 10 Hudson on the road Thurs- day, April 21, at 5 p.m.

Union-North Tama’s Aubree Monat (2) works to stop a run by the Tigers’ offense into Knight territory on April 12 in La Porte City. Monat has been a defensive leader this season for the Union-North Tama team. –Photo by Ruby F. Bodeker

–Photo by Ruby F. Bodeker

Aubree Monat (2) works to move the ball out of Knights' territory. –Photo by Ruby F. Bodeker

Dacey Powell. –Photo by Ruby F. Bodeker

–Photo by Ruby F. Bodeker

Avery Knoop (10). –Photo by Ruby F. Bodeker