Saturday at 4 p.m., the Union Pines Vikings continue their second season as they take on the South Johnston Trojans in a second-round state 3-A soccer playoff match at Woodrow Wilhoit Stadium.

The Vikes, who are the second seed from the Cape Fear Valley Conference, are coming off a convincing 7-1 win over Southern Nash, while the Trojans, the fifth seed from the CFV, arrive in Cameron fresh off a 2-1 upset of Western Alamance, the top seed from the Triad conference.

South Johnston struggled with injuries early in the season as it got off to a 3-5 start on the year. However, since then the Trojans have gotten on track compiling a record of 6-3-1. Their three losses in that stretch included two lopsided decisions against the 14th ranked CFV champion Triton Hawks and a 5-4 overtime loss to the Vikes on Oct. 20.

Over that span South Johnston (9-8-1) has scored 30 goals and allowed 30, collecting two shutouts in the process. On the season, the Trojans have scored 39 goals and allowed 50 in their 18 matches. South Johnston's opponents are a combined 100-93-9 on the season.

Union Pines brings a 16-5-1 record in to the second-round playoff match. The Vikes swept the Trojans this season with a 2-0 win in Cameron and a 5-4 overtime victory in South Johnston.

On the year the Vikes have scored 66 goals and allowed 25 while notching 10 shutouts. Union Pines has only allowed more than one goal in six of its 22 matches. The Vikes' opponents are a combined 182-142-17 this season.

When playing at Woodrow Wilhoit Stadium, the Vikings have a record of 8-1. South Johnston has a road record of 5-3.

F.W. Manning can be reached at fwm2@nc.rr.com or by cell at (910) 639-5481.