COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's soccer team was back in action on Tuesday as they traveled across the Mississippi River to take on Saint John's University (Minn.) in an early evening matchup. An even sided match was won in the 87th minute as Nathan Donovan (So. – Hazel Green, WI/Wahlert Catholic) earn UW-Eau Claire their 15th win of the season with the lone goal of the contest.
The non conference matchup between the Blugolds and Johnnies held NCAA regional implications as both teams battled for a Region IX victory. SJU showcased their offense in the first half outshooting the Blugolds seven to four with three shots on goal. Eau Claire chose quantity over quality with two of their four shots landing on frame. Nathan Donovan led UWEC with a game high three shots on goal.
In the second half, UW-Eau Claire switched the momentum by outshooting SJU seven to four as both teams tallied 22 combined shots. An even matchup on both sides of the ball led to a finish of dramatic fashion. The Blugolds found the lone goal of the game with less than five minutes to play. as Max Lynch (Fr. – Verona, WI) launched the ball in transition over the top defenders and right to Nathan Donovan who put home his 18th goal of the season to win it for UW-Eau Claire.
Spencer Banks (So. – Superior, WI) stopped all seven of the shots he faced in his seventh shutout of the year. Banks is now 11-2-0 on the year.
The Blugolds (15-2) will return on Thursday, October 20th for their final regular season home game of the year. UW-Eau Claire will face off against Carroll University at 7PM.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
