In rainy conditions, the Union Pines Vikings defeated Western Harnett 2-1 in a Cape Fear Valley Conference soccer match Tuesday at Woodrow Wilhoit Stadium.

With the Vikes' leading scorer on the season, senior Jay O'Connor, sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a leg injury, junior captain Allen Cha stepped up to deliver two goals.

Cha's performance helped Union Pines lock up a third-place finish in the league standings and secured the Vikings a spot in the 3A playoffs. The Vikes are now 7-4 in league play and 8-8 overall.

Union Pines is scheduled to close the regular season tonight in Cameron against Douglas Byrd on Senior Night. The state playoffs begin this Saturday, however the location and time of the Viking match has yet to be determined.