NORTHFIELD, MN (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's soccer team continued their road stretch on Thursday with a trip to southern Minnesota to face off against the St. Olaf College Oles. As both squads found plenty of scoring chances throughout the match, the Blugolds couldn't capitalize in front of the net as the Oles handed them their second loss of the season, 3-0.
With both teams fighting for regional placement, both squads brought the physicality and fast pace play on Rolf Melby Field.
UW-Eau Claire found their first scoring chances early as Nathan Donovan (So. – Hazel Green, WI/Wahlert Catholic) and Scott Hanson (Fr. – Woodbury, MN) combined for five shots in the first half. Donovan tallied two of Eau Claire's three shots on goal to press the Oles from in the opening 20 minutes of play.
St. Olaf responded with efficiency by with a two goals on their three shots on goal. Ole goals in the 13th and 37thminute marks gave UWEC a deficit heading into halftime.
The second half showed similar glimpses from the first as UWEC found scoring opportunities early. Owen Williams (Fr. – Stevens Point, WI/SPASH) and Cooper Robert (So. – Apple Valley, MN) added to the Blugold attack with shots on goal in the opening 20 minutes of the second frame, but the St. Olaf goalkeeper stood strong to keep Eau Claire off the board. A third goal by the home side in the 64th minute sealed the deal as the Blugolds suffered just their second loss of the year, 3-0.
Spencer Banks (So. – Stevens Point, WI/SPASH) stopped two of the five shots on goal that he faced during the road defeat. Banks is now 10-2 on the year.
The Blugolds (13-2) will take the weekend off and return to competition on Friday, October 14th when they travel to Finlandia University in Hancock, MI. Kickoff between UW-Eau Claire and the Lions is scheduled for 1:30PM.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
