WINONA, MN (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's soccer team hit the road on Saturday for their first game of a weekend double header as they faced Saint Mary's University (Minn.). An early goal by Ethan Anderson (Jr. – Burnsville, MN) and a game winning goal by Nathan Donovan (So. – Hazel Green, WI/Wahlert Catholic) in the 72nd minute lifted UW-Eau Claire over the Cardinals, 2-1.
The Blugolds continued their success off set pieces as Carter Thiesfeld (So. – Forest Lake, MN) lofted a corner kick into the box in the 20th minute. Scott Hanson then flicked the ball to Ethan Anderson who promptly finished for the 1-0 lead. Thiesfeld's 12th assist on the year is the most in NCAA Division III soccer so far.
With minutes to go in the opening half, Saint Mary's found an equalizer in the 43rd minute to being the teams to a 1-1 tie at halftime.
Nathan Donovan recorded nine minutes on the day, but those nine minutes were the difference for Eau Claire. After connecting passes from Owen Williams (Fr. – Stevens Point, WI/SPASH) and Thiesfeld gave UWEC space in the SMU half, Donovan finished a Thiesfeld through ball with the flick of his foot to put Eau Claire back in the lead. Donovan's team leading tenth goal of the year ranks him 5th in NCAA Division II men's soccer.
The Blugolds (11-0) will conclude their doubleheader weekend with regionally ranked Loras College (IA) at home on Sunday, September 25th. Kickoff from Simpson Field is scheduled for 3:30PM.
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