By: Christian Kiener, UWEC Sports Information
ST. JOSEPH, Minn. (blugolds.com) – The University of Eau-Claire Women's Soccer Team went on the road Saturday to face off against St. Benedict. In a highly contested matchup, a goal off a free kick in the final minute prevented an Eau Claire draw, falling short 2-1.
Both the Blugold and St. Ben's offense were strong throughout the half with the Blugolds laying through balls to their forwards and St. Ben's utilizing counterattacks to overpower the defense. An awkward shot by St. Ben's snuck past the Blugolds in the 39th minute to put the Bennies up 1-0 at the Half.
The Blugolds remained resilient throughout the second half as they stepped up their defense while maintaining offensive pressure leading to a goal in the 68th minute by Emma Stange (Sr. – Andover, MN/Anoka). After taking away the ball from an opposing player, Stange fired a shot from the top of the box into the upper right corner beyond the keeper's reach to tie things at 1-1. Lola Ruff (Jr. - St. Louis, Park, MN) was credited with an assist on the tying goal.
A crucial save in the 78th minute by Kennedy Boll (So. – Franklin, WI) off a St. Ben's breakaway, kept the game tied. However, a last-minute free kick goal by the opponent sealed the game as the Blugolds would fall short 2-1 on the road.
Kennedy Boll stopped seven of the nine shots she faced on the day in the recorded loss. Boll is now 2-2 on the year.
The Blugolds (2-2) will be at home on Sunday, September 11th as they host Gustavus Adolphus College. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00pm.
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