The Dawson County High School varsity boys’ soccer team played host to Union County on March 29.

The Panthers came into the contest with a 12-1-1 record. The game decided who would play at home or have to travel for the first round of region tournament play.

The Tigers were also celebrating Senior Night.

Before kickoff, Head Coach Jed Lacey honored both parents and players by presenting them with flowers and a plaque. This year’s departing seniors are Eian Perry, Cody McGinnis, Ethan Brown and Sam Edwards.

The Panthers attacked early and scored two quick goals.

The first goal occurred just 41 seconds into the game and gave Union County a quick 1-0 lead.

Union continued the offensive pressure and scored again just nine minutes into the game on a blast past the Dawson goalie.

The Panthers held a 2-0 advantage.

The Tiger team marched to the end zone trailing by two goals at halftime.

Dawson County picked up the pace during the second half, but fell short. The Panthers added two more goals to take a commanding 4-0 lead.

The Tigers only score came with 19 seconds remaining, when Josh Lund beat the Union goalie. The goal was Lund’s 15th of the season.

With the loss, Dawson went into the region tournament as the No. 3 seed in the North sub-region.

Today, the team traveled to play Jackson County High School.

The Panthers came into the game with a 6-5-1 record.

Scores were unavailable at press time.

“This may be the worst game we have played since I have been here in four years,” Lacey said.

“The playoffs are here, there is no room for being soft, you cannot back off any situation that arises. I can promise you this, we will play hard, we will play smart, we will play as a team, and we will control our own destiny,” Lacey said.