By Nick Hoven, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's soccer team started their 2017-18 campaign on Friday afternoon, falling to Carleton College 3-2 in a non-conference match-up.
The Blugolds looked to start the new season off with a bang and rewrite the atmosphere after last year's heartbreaking loss in the semifinals of the WIAC Playoffs to UW–La Crosse. The Knights had other plans though. Just under 10 minutes into the first half, Carleton's Nora Metz would score two unassisted goals to put the Knights in front. The Blugolds would strike back with one after a corner kick given by Bailee Hyde (So.-Medina, MN) would find Monica Zoellner (Jr.-East Troy, WI) who would put it home in the upper corner. At the end of the half, the teams would end up even at five shots apiece.
The second half was a critical one for Eau Claire to get back on track. They would find the net more often and out-shoot Carleton 8-2. With just under nine minutes to go, the Blugolds found themselves with a free kick from the side off the box, just yards in front of the corner flag. Hyde would again send the ball in from the side, but didn't need assistance this time as the ball would curl into the back-corner post of the net to tie the game and put some energy back throughout Bollinger Field.
However, with just a mere four minutes to go, Carleton found themselves on a counter attack up the right side. The ball would be centered into the box and Knight header would give Carleton the game-winner.
The Blugolds will look to bounce back next week as they take to the road and head for St. Paul, Minn. for another non-conference matchup against Macalester College on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
Follow all the action all season long on Blugold Game Day.
