PELLA, Iowa — Central College defeated the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire 2-1 on Sunday at A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex Soccer Field. Central scored the game-winning goal in the second half, capitalizing on their efficient shooting with 7 shots on goal from 9 attempts. The Blugolds' lone goal came in the second half, as they managed 6 shots on goal from 13 attempts. The Dutch defense held strong with 5 saves, contributing to their victory.
The opening half saw the Blugolds applying pressure early, with
Mikalyn Hidde launching a shot on goal just 1:20 into the match, but it was saved by Central's goalkeeper, Zoey Sizemore.
Bella Jones, in goal for UW-Eau Claire, was active throughout the half, making critical saves against shots from the Dutch's Piper Eighmy and Josie Newton. Despite several shots from players including
Anna Lorenzana and
Magnolia Millar Bruzek, UWEC could not find the back of the net, concluding the half trailing 1-0 after an early goal by Central.
The second half began with UW-Eau Claire leveling the score at 1-1 when
Caroline Curran found the net in the 49th minute, assisted by
Emma Donovan and Hidde. Goalkeeper Jones made a crucial save in the 50th minute, stopping a shot from Central's Kylie Bloomstrom, maintaining the tie. Despite the Blugolds' efforts, including a late shot attempt by Curran, the Dutch secured a 2-1 victory with a goal in the 85th minute by Rylee Rustad.
Curran scored one goal for UW-Eau Claire, leading the team with two shots on goal from three total shots. Hidde contributed an assist, taking two shots with one on target. Donovan also recorded an assist with one shot on goal from two attempts. Jones was in goal for the full 90 minutes, making five saves from nine shots faced and is now 0-2 on the season.
UWEC falls to 0-2-0 on the season after their latest match. The Dutch improve to 2-0-0 following the victory.
The next challenge for the Blugolds sees them on the road to face Wheaton College (Ill.) on September 5. The game will take place at Joe Bean Stadium in Wheaton, Ill., with a 5 p.m. kickoff.
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