By: Christian Kiener, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau-Claire men's soccer team kicked off their season at home against the Hamline University Pipers on Thursday evening at Simpson Field. After a historic inaugural season last year, the Eau Claire kept to their winning ways with a strong finish in the second half for a 4-2 victory.
The Blugolds got off to a fast start with a goal scored by Nathan Donovan (So. – Hazel Green, WI) in the third minute off a free kick from Carter Thiesfield (So. – Forest Lake, MN), making it 1-0. After going back and forth with attacking chances, Hamline would later respond in the 19th minute with a low cross inside the box for a back door finish to level the score at 1-1. UWEC would retake the lead in the 23rd minute on a cross from Donovan to Max Lynch (Fr. – Verona, WI) on the backside for the 2-1 edge. Lynch used the open space and a clinical finish into the opposite corner for his first goal as a Blugold.
Both teams found opportunities to score in the remainder of the half, but the keepers would stand strong on both sides for a 2-1 UWEC lead at the break.
The second half began with both sides finding possession in the attacking ends. UW-Eau Claire defended the Hamline counterattack well to eliminate any swing of momentum. A yellow card by Hamline set up a free kick for Sam Lynch (Jr. – Verona, WI) in the 61st minute just outside the 18-yard box. With some patience and some flair, Lynch powered through the ball and beat the Hamline keeper in the top corner for a 3-1 lead and Sam's first goal as a Blugold.
The Pipers caught a break in the 71st minute by capitalizing on a penalty kick to close the Blugold lead back to one. Cooper Roberts (So. – Apple Valley, MN) shut the door on a Hamline comeback, scoring in the 75th minute on a breakaway for the 4-2 win.
Spencer Banks (So. – Stevens Point, WI/SPASH) was credited with the win after making two saves and allowing only one goal in the first half. Mark Belknap (So.- Anoka, MN) made four saves and allowed one goal as well in the second half.
The Blugolds (1-0) will continue their homestand on Saturday, September 3rd hosting UW-Platteville, and Tuesday, September 6th hosting St. Scholastica. Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm for both games.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
