WHITEWATER, Wis. — UW-Eau Claire men's soccer battled UW-Whitewater to a 1-1 draw on Saturday at Robert W. Fiskum Field. Both teams recorded 10 shots, but UWEC held a 7-5 advantage in shots on goal. The Blugolds also generated 11 corner kicks and six shots in the second half as they rallied to earn a point on the road.
UW-Whitewater opened the scoring in the 29th minute when Luke Konrad found the net off assists from Hayden Saul and Adam Kaup. Earlier in the first half, goalkeeper Charlie Mroz kept the Blugolds within reach, saving a penalty kick from Aidian Martin in the 15th minute before making another stop on Nil Calvo Alsina in the 34th minute. UW-Eau Claire created several chances before halftime, including shots from Ramzi Ouro, Noah Malcook, Aiden Judickas and Elijah Post, but the Blugolds entered the break trailing 1-0.
The Blugolds responded early in the second half, applying pressure with four corner kicks in the opening eight minutes. Their persistence paid off in the 54th minute when Owen Backus scored off an assist from Judickas to even the match at 1-1. UWEC continued to threaten after the equalizer, with Backus, Malcook and Tate McDermott each putting shots on goal. However, UWW goalkeeper Austin Waite turned away the attempts to keep the match level. The Warhawks also generated late chances, but Mroz and the Blugold defense held firm, including a team save in the 84th minute and a final stop by Mroz with one second remaining.
Backus led the Blugolds with the equalizing goal and put both of his shots on target. Judickas recorded the assist and added a shot on goal off the bench, while McDermott finished with two shots, both on target. Mroz played all 90 minutes in goal and recorded three saves.
The Blugolds move to 5-3-5 overall and 0-1-2 in WIAC play, while the Warhawks go to 9-2-4 overall and 2-0-1 in WIAC action.
UW-Eau Claire will return to action on Wednesday, Oct. 21, traveling to Galesburg, Illinois, to face Knox College at 6 p.m. at Jorge Prats Field.
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