JOHN DAY – The Grant Union soccer team tried to prove the third time is the charm this week.

The Prospectors faced Umpqua Valley Christian at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, past the Eagle’s press time. The game was the first round of the Oregon School Activities Association playoffs.

Readers can visit www.myeaglenews.com for the results from the game.

Grant Union has lost in the first round of the OSAA playoffs during the last two seasons. In 2006 they fell 2-0 to Santiam Christian School and in 2007 they lost 2-1 to St. Mary’s Academy. Santiam Christian and St. Mary’s were both eliminated in the semifinals by Oregon Episcopal the reigning two-time state champion.

Grant Union is heading into the playoffs with a 11-1-1 record and is the No. 2 seed out of Special District 5. Umpqua Valley Christian has a 11-4 overall record and is the No. 3 seed out of Special District 3. The Pros lost their first game of the year 4-1 to Riverside to relinquish first place in the district to the Pirates. Grant Union still earned a home game in the first round with a second-place finish.

Grant Union coach Ken Purnell scouted the Monarchs during the Special District 3 playoff game against Creswell. Umpqua Valley Christian lost to drop to third in the district. Purnell said the Monarch’s have a strong defense, but the Pros should fare well in the game.

“I feel good about the game,” Purnell said Nov. 3. “I feel we match up well. Their defense has some solid play. They have a very good sweeper. He’s an athletic strong kid. It won’t be easy, but I think our kids can handle it.”

Purnell said although the Monarchs like to push the ball through on offensive runs and have the ability to shoot well on the volley, he thinks the Pros’ defense can handle the attack.

Comparison of the two teams is difficult because no teams from either district have faced common opponents. However, the Pros seem to have the offensive edge, having scored nearly double the number of goals the Monarchs have – 90, compared to 58 – and in fewer games. Grant Union has also allowed fewer goals, 20, than Umpqua Valley Christian’s 31.

Purnell said while the team is confident, the postseason can bring surprises.

“It’s the playoffs – anything can happen in one game,” Purnell said.