EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The UW-Eau Claire women's soccer team gave 23rd-ranked UW-Whitewater all they could handle but could not earn the victory falling to the Warhawks 1-0 here today at Bollinger Field.
With the loss the Blugolds fall to 3-7-1 overall and 1-2-0 in the WIAC while the Warhawks improve to 10-2-0 overall and 4-0 in WIAC play.
The game's lone goal came in the first half when goalie Emily Byal (So.-Eagle, WI/Palmyra-Eagle) was called for a red card attempting to break up a Warhawk scoring opportunity. Whitewater would convert the penalty kick at 11:38. It would stand as the only goal of the game.
Eau Claire came out aggressive in the second half. The Blugolds had several possessions where they knocked on the door of the Warhawks' goal. However, the Blugolds were unable to get a solid scoring opportunity despite their constant attacking of the Warhawks' defensive third.
For the game Whitewater outshot Eau Claire 9-5 but both teams fired four shots apiece in the second half. The Warhawks held a 7-2 corner kick advantage and were whistled for seven fouls compared to five for the Blugolds.
Rachel Griffiths (So.-Waunakee, WI) came in to replace Byal allowing no goals while saving three shots in 78:22 of action.
A total of five cards were called throughout the game. Each team received two yellow cards to go with the red card called on Byal.
The Blugolds return to Bollinger Field on Wednesday, October 8 when they host Luther College from Decorah, Iowa. Action is set to begin at 4 p.m.
-KCM-
