EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's soccer team was back on their home turf Wednesday for a regional matchup against the St. Oles. With both teams appearing in the United Soccer Coaches Association (USCA) regional rankings, postseason implications loomed under the lights on a chilly night at Simpson Field.
The first half lived up to expectations as both sides created scoring opportunities throughout the first 45 minutes of play. Both teams combined for shots, but it was the Oles holding the edge on shots on goal, 3-1. The physicality and intensity elevated as game went on as 12 fouls were committed in the first frame. Despite set piece opportunities for both sides, the Blugolds and Oles stayed deadlocked at 0-0 going into halftime.
After the break, the defenses tightened their shapes as scoring opportunities were seldom for both squads. In the 60th minute, St. Olaf broke the scoreless tie with a stellar shot from 35 yards out that the Blugolds had no chance to defend.
UW-Eau Claire switched into an aggressive gear for the final 15 minutes of play but could not find the back of the net as St. Olaf handed UW-Eau Claire their first home loss of the season.
Mark Belknap (Jr. – Anoka, Minn.) stopped three of the four shots he faced in his first loss of the season. Belknap is now 3-1-2 on the year.
The Blugolds (8-2-2) will finish off their home stand on Friday, October 6
th when they host UW-Whitewater. Kickoff from Simpson Field is scheduled for 7 p.m.
