ST. PAUL, Minn. (Blugolds.com) - The UW-Eau Claire soccer team defeated the University of St. Thomas (Minn.) 3-2 to win its fourth consecutive game today.

The Blugolds (5-2) are currently undefeated against Minnesota schools this year as they hold a 4-0 record. They will face three more schools from Minnesota later this season.

St. Thomas (4-3) got on the board first with a goal at 18:49 but the Blugolds answered just over four minutes later as Shyla Gilbertson (So.-Waunakee, Wis.) found the back of the net after an assist from Rachel Nerison (Jr.-Maple Grove, Minn.). The goal was Gilbertson's first of the year.

Just before halftime at 43:55, Kara Ryan (Fr.-Plymouth, Minn./Robbinsdale Armstrong) scored her first goal of the season to give the Blugolds a 2-1 lead. Jamie Schiesel (Sr.-Plymouth, Minn./Armstrong) assisted on the goal.

In the second half, Nerison scored for the Blugolds with an assist from Allie Stone (Fr.-Madison, Wis./Verona Area) at 75:17, and despite a St. Thomas goal four minutes later, the Blugolds were able to hold on for the win.

Eau Claire outshot the Tommies 13-10, five of which were on-goal for the Blugolds compared to four for St. Thomas.

Amanda Hakala played the full game in the goal and picked up two saves for the Blugolds while Allie Byron played 90 minutes for St. Thomas and also picked up two saves.

Eau Claire will be at UW-Platteville on Saturday for a WIAC matchup. Action is set to get underway at 2 p.m.