The United Eagles boys soccer team is gearing up for one of the biggest games in program history as they face Kidron Central Christian in the regional semifinals Wednesday evening. With an impressive 17-2 record, the Eagles are striving to advance to their first-ever regional final, marking a potential milestone for the program.
This season has already proven historic for United, whose senior class became the first in school history to reach four consecutive district championships, including district titles in both 2022 and this year.
Head coach Curtis Jones noted the significance of the matchup, saying, “This will be the third time in program history we have made it to the Regional Semifinals. All three trips have occurred since 2017. In that first trip to Regionals back in 2017 we faced Kidron Central Christian…the team we face tomorrow. We played them earlier this season and lost 1-2 in a highly contested game. Tomorrow’s game should be no different.”
The Eagles’ high-powered offense is led by senior Maddox Andrea, who has 172 career goals, including a standout 54 goals this season. Andrea is on the brink of history himself, just one goal shy of tying the program’s single-season record set in 2017 by Jonathan Logan. Andrea, a four-year All-State player and a USC All-American, has formed a potent attacking force with fellow seniors Landon Jones, an All-State honoree, and Zac Figley, a First Team All-District forward.
On the defensive end, seniors Jase Medure and Luke Mercer, both 2nd Team All-District players, anchor a backline that has conceded just 26 goals this season, with goalkeeper Seth Blake recording 93 saves and six clean sheets. Medure, who scored the double-overtime game-winner in last week’s district championship, is eager to continue the Eagles’ strong defensive performance in Wednesday’s rematch with Kidron Central Christian.
“Playing in Regional Semifinals again was the bare minimum preseason goal that we had,” Jones said. “Anything less would have been considered a disappointing season. Our program has never been able to get past the Regional Semifinal hurdle. Our goal is to change that and make it to a Regional Final.”
Kickoff for the regional semifinal matchup is set for Wednesday evening at 7 p.m against Kidron Central Christian. The game will be held at Copley High School.
