UWS SW DIVISION CHAMPIONS! San Antonio Athenians Continue 2021 With History and Success. ON TO UWS NATIONALS!

Benji Mendoza

In true absolute 2021 UWS fútbol fashion, the Southwest Conference was full of pure energy, Fútbol, drama and a new 2021 UWS Southwest Conference Champion, the San Antonio Athenians Soccer Club.

Four teams from the UWS Southwest Conference met in Mansfield , Texas and it did not disappoint. A battle between Lonestar Republic, Austin Elite, San Antonio Athenians and Slide FC Tulsa delivered quality excitement which could be viewed via Live Football Streaming: Eleven.

Meeting Sunday for a Conference finale were undefeated giants Lonestar Republic and runner up San Antonio Athenians. Having a little of history between the two respected clubs, how can you forget their previous meeting. The two respected clubs meet week three of conference play in which Lonestar came out with a major 6-0 shutout to the Athenians.

It would be only here – in the UWS Southwest Conference Championships eight weeks later that both squads would meet again for a shot to enter the National Tournament to be held in Austin, Texas.

For 90+ minutes both teams played an intense match with opportunities on both sides of the ball. A full on attack from the Athenians. Pressuring high and contending every play allowed the Athenians to stay close every minute of the match against a strong Lonestar Republic squad.

In controlling the Lonestar attack Midfielders Helene Farris and Isabella Beletic combined with Defenders Maggie Miller and Jaime Erickson to continue the pressure up top. Forwards Jade Piper and Amanda Smith were busy creating opportunities and lanes for shots on goals. Their efforts finally came through in the ’86 of play with a throw in into the Lonestar Box by Allison Fahey which bounced of Athenian FWD Amanda Smith who managed to take a shot that bounced off the top crossbar and unto the feet of the most unlikely hero of the night – Defender Jamie Erickson in the 87th minute with a shot strait at goal for the game winner. Athenian goal Keeper Mia Wildeman recorded another shutout as she kept on denying and stopping the Lonestar full attack. Saving shot after shot, Wildeman was able to control the last 6 min of added time to secure the win and blanking the team that previously put six.

The San Antonio booked a trip to the UWS National Championships Elite Field at Round Rock Multipurpose Complex (Round Rock, Texas) from July 23-25.