EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — UW-Eau Claire and Luther played to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday at Simpson Field. The game saw heavy offensive pressure from the Blugolds, with 27 shots and 16 on goal, but Luther's goalkeeper made 14 saves to maintain the tie. Both teams scored in the first half, with neither able to find the back of the net in the second during a physical battle under the lights.
The first half began with Eau Claire applying early pressure, as
Noah Malcook's shot on goal was saved by Luther's goalkeeper. However, Luther capitalized first, taking the lead with a goal in the 5th minute on a counterattack. The Blugolds responded promptly, leveling the score at 1-1 when
Carson Kowalski found the back of the net in the 8th minute on a penalty kick.
Throughout the remainder of the half, UWEC maintained offensive momentum with several attempts on goal, including shots by
Elijah Post and
Sean Redmond that were saved. Defensively,
Kalan McIlveen contributed with a crucial save against the Norse, ensuring the score remained tied. The half concluded with the teams deadlocked at 1-1, setting the stage for an intense continuation in the second half.
The second half began with the home squad pressing offensively, as Kowalski and
Alek Laroi each made attempts on goal early in the half.
Tate McDermott forced a save from Luther goalkeeper, maintaining pressure on the Luther defense. Despite numerous attempts, the home side was unable to capitalize, with several shots saved and one cleared by the Luther defense.
As the half progressed, Wis.-Eau Claire continued their offensive push.
Owen Williams and
Krystof Cicha both tested the Luther goalkeeper, but each effort was parried away. Late in the half, Malcook made consecutive attempts that were stopped, and Post had a late shot saved as well. The half concluded with both teams unable to break the deadlock, ending with a score of 1-1.
McIlveen recorded three saves while facing ten shots in the match. Post finished with four shots, all of which were on target. Kowalski scored one goal from his three shots, with two being on target. Malcook also contributed with three shots, each of them on goal.
UW-Eau Claire holds a 5-2-2 overall record following the draw. Luther stands at 3-2-3 overall after the match.
Looking ahead, the UWEC will begin Wicsonsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play and host UW-Stout on October 4. The match is set to kick off at 7 p.m. at Simpson Field in Eau Claire, Wis.
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