By: Christian Kiener, UWEC Sports Information
LA CROSSE, Wis. (blugolds.com) – The University of Eau-Claire Women's Soccer Team battled the 13th ranked UW- La Crosse Eagles in the conference tournament final. After falling behind early, the Blugolds answered with 2 straight goals to tie the game, but a late goal by the Eagles would ice the game and UWEC would fall 3-2 and be named WIAC Tournament Runner-Ups.
The visitors would have a rough first half as La Crosse would find the net early in the contest off a header in the 11th minute for the 1-0 lead. Another score off a free kick would extend the Eagles lead to 2. Eau Claire would start to regain momentum off counter attacks from the outside to get off a few shots before heading into the half down 2-0.
The Blugolds came out of the break with more intensity and attacked the Eagles defenders by retaining possession in the midfield to create shots on target, outshooting the home team 7-6 in the second half. La Crosse would respond with an attack of their own and both teams would go back and forth for the first 10 minutes. A turnover by the Eagles defense in the 65th minute allowed Emma Stange (Sr.- Andover, MN) to fire a chip shot beyond the keeper's outstretched hand to cut the lead to 1. The Blugolds wouldn't stop there as a corner kick in the 73rd from Haley Von Rentzell (Fr.- Chanhassen, MN) would fall to the feet of Sydney Spencer (Jr.- Hudson, WI) for a wide-open goal with the right foot on the back side of the net to bring the game to a deadlock at 2. La Crosse would respond moments later with a cross for a quick shot on the right side to move back ahead 3-2. UWEC would have a few more opportunities to score off free kicks but would come up just short and would fall 3-2 on the road.
Kennedy Boll (So.- Franklin, WI) who would face the ruthless Eagles' offense all night, had 8 saves on 11 shots.
The Blugolds (13-6-2, WIAC 5-2-1) finish their regular season and conference postseason with high hopes for a NCAA Tournament selection. Eau Claire will await the tournament field during the NCAA's selection show on Monday, November 7th at 12PM.
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