EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's soccer team overturned a deficit by scoring twice in the final eight minutes to defeat St. Norbert College 2-1 on Sunday at Simpson Field. The Blugolds were scoreless through the first 82 minutes, but struck twice for a second straight thrilling victory.
The first half featured few chances for either side. The Blugolds took one shot in the period, while the Green Knights put three attempts on target – all saved by
Kennedy Boll (Jr. – Franklin, Wis.).
St. Norbert broke the deadlock with a goal in the 81
st minute, but it didn't take UW-Eau Claire long to respond. The Blugolds drew a foul just outside the penalty box, and
Elise Pinewski (Jr. – Anoka, Minn.) curled in a magnificent free kick for a goal to tie the score in the 82
nd minute.
Molly Henderson (Jr. – Duluth, Minn./Duluth East) gave the Blugolds their winner a few minutes later. She took a long pass from
Katlyn Byhre (Jr. – St. Michael, Minn./Rogers) and broke free of the Green Knights' back line in the 89
th minute. She knocked the ball under the diving arms of the St. Norbert keeper to put UW-Eau Claire ahead for the first time, and the Blugolds ran out the clock a minute later to clinch the victory.
Boll finished with six saves. The Blugolds out-shot the Green Knights 12-11. The exciting win came only a day after UW-Eau Claire scored in the final two minutes to defeat Saint Benedict.
The Blugolds are back in action on Saturday, Sept. 16, when they host 23
rd-ranked Wartburg at Simpson Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m.
