ST. PETER, Minn. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's soccer team began NCAA Regional Tournament play on Saturday afternoon in southwestern Minnesota. In the first round of play, UW-Eau Claire faced off with the Luther College Norse on the campus of Gustavus Adolphus College. As the Blugolds played in their first NCAA postseason contest in program history, a fast start and a defensive hold by UWEC earned them the 3-1 victory.
UW-Eau Claire wasted no time finding their first tournament goal as Carter Thiesfeld (Sp. - Forest Lake, Minn.) rifled the ball into the top corner in the 2nd minute of play. Scott Hanson (Fr. - Woodbury, Minn.) and Max Walters (Jr. - Madison, Wis./Memorial) after their connecting play along the sideline created an opportunity for Thiesfeld. Luther answered less than 60 seconds on a loose ball inside the penalty area to tie the game at 1-1.
The physicality of postseason play came early and often as two of the five Luther yellow cards were dealt in the first 25 minutes of play. A match total of 24 fouls between the two squads created set pieces in opportune areas for the Blugolds and Norse.
In the 23rd minute, Nathan Donovan (So. - Hazel Green, Wis./Wahlert Catholic) extended Eau Claire's lead with a header from the far side of the net off a cross from Max Walters for his 20th goal of the season and Walters second helper of the match. The Blugolds chose quality offense over quantity in the first half with all three of their shots taken being on frame. The defense kept the Norse to just one shot on goal and retained their 2-1 into halftime.
The second half saw more chances for Eau Claire as the tallied six of their nine total shots in the second frame. Donovan and Thiesfeld led the offense with two shots on goal each. Four more yellow cards were dealt in the second half as Luther recorded three and Eau Claire received one late for delay of game.
In the closing minutes of play, Nathan Donovan sealed the win on a counterattack in the 88th minute as he tipped the ball past the Norse goalkeeper and tapped in his second goal of the afternoon and 21st of the season to extend the Blugold lead to 3-1. Carter Thiesfeld received the lone assist on the final goal.
Spencer Banks (So. – Superior, Wis.) stopped four of the five shots he faced to earn his first career NCAA postseason win. Banks now holds a record of 15-2 on the season.
The Blugolds (19-2) will face off against the hosts, Gustavus Adolphus College, in round two of the NCAA Division III Regional Tournament on Sunday, November 13th at the Gustie Soccer Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1PM.
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