Union’s Courtney Powell nets 6 goals in state quarterfinal win over Waverly-Shell Rock

DES MOINES - Soccer has been part of Courtney Powell's life since she was 3 years old.

Union's senior forward started playing in a kids' recreation league at a young age. That didn't last long.

Even then, she was a step or two beyond those around her.

'We could tell it just wasn't for me,” Powell said. 'I needed something more challenging so I went to club soccer. From there I moved to different clubs and that's just what's gotten me here.”

Powell's six goals helped carry Union (18-2) to a 7-2 win against Waverly-Shell Rock in the Class 2A girls' state soccer quarterfinals Thursday at Cownie Soccer Park. The Iowa State signee scored in just about every manner - from a breakaway to corner kick rebound - with three goals each half.

'Sometimes you just can't teach the way she's able to read the ball and be in the right spot at the right time,” said Union coach Hunter Zempel. 'That's just natural through repetition and through games and games and games throughout her life.

'I think that's kind of what separates her, just her ability to kind of read things faster than other people and kind of anticipate balls through, headers and crosses and all that kind of stuff. She's just tremendous at it.”

Powell entered the tournament with 71 goals, a state record, this season and has helped outscore Knights' opponents 26-4 in the postseason - she owns 19. Union, in its sixth state tournament appearance, will face No. 2 North Scott in the semifinals Friday at 2:45 p.m.

'Honestly my goal was to just get one goal,” Powell said. 'I told myself all we need is one goal. I wasn't expecting six. I can't help but give credit to (junior midfielder) Emma (Rottinghaus) and all the good crosses and through balls they put.

'It was perfect.”

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