After a Sweet 16 run which carried a #1 state ranking during the season, Union County is hoping for more of the same level of success. Since 2019, the Panthers have made the playoffs each year, with a State Runner-Up ’19 campaign, Final 4 in ’23, Elite 8 in ’22, and Sweet 16s in ’21 and ’24.

PRESEASON INFO

2024 Record: 10-8-1; 3A State Sweet 16
Head Coach: Tim Hunter (9th Season; 3rd straight)
Returning Starters: 1
“We will be very young this season,” adds Hunter. “We graduated 11 Seniors, 10 of which were multi-year starters so we will really be rebuilding. Antonio Solorio is our only returning starter and will be looked upon to shoulder even more of the load offensively this season. Julian Jimenez is our other captain who is returning with varsity experience. He is a great leader for our team and will be looked to anchor our back line as a holding midfielder. Players to watch, Matthew Ortiz is returning to good form after battling injuries the last two seasons and brings some experience and tenacity to our attack. Graham Crosby will help anchor the back line along with Ty Hogsed. Noah Sommer is a very shifty striker who can make some amazing finishes also returns with some varsity experience. Eli Chapman will be tasked to defend our goal and he is really expected to have a breakout season.”
Key Departures: Evan Bohm, Zuriel Mancillas, Benton Gregory, Seth Rutan, Kooper Ashcraft
Key Players: Antonio Solorio, Julian Jimenez, Matthew Ortiz, Graham Crosby, Ty Hogsed, Noah Sommer, Eli Chapman
Strengths: “Our sophomore class is quite talented and will be looked upon to fill a lot of voids left by last year’s seniors,” states Hunter.

“Last year’s class was part of two region championships, three Final 8 appearances, and one Final 4 trip, and their presence will be missed sorely,” says Hunter.