By Anna Sveiven, UWEC Sports Information
MOORHEAD, Minn. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's soccer team returns to Jake Christiansen Athletic Complex for game two of back-to-back games. The Eau Claire Blugolds won against the Nebraska-Wesleyan Prairie Wolves in a 3-2 victory.
The Blugolds came out swinging in the first half holding the possession over the Prairie Wolves. The possessive play would payoff for the Blugolds in the 18th minute from Nathan Donovan (Fr. - Hazel Green, WI/Wahlert Catholic) scoring his first of the game, with assists coming from Will Heinen (Fr.- Champlin, MN/Champlin) and Hayden Boich (Fr. - Cottage Grove, MN/Park). The Blugolds continued to maintain control by pressuring the Prairie Wolves defense with a set of corners kicks and by staying aggressive in the offensive 18-yard box. Donovan would find the back of the net again in the 27th minute, helping the Blugolds to a 2 to 0 lead going in to the second half.
Both teams would come out ready to fight in the second half with both teams receiving yellow cards and their share of fouls. From the aggressive play, the Prairie Wolves would get a penalty kick against the Blugolds in the 61st minute and would decrease the Blugolds lead to 2 to 1.
Heinen would find some luck in the back of the net by chipping the Prairie Wolves keeper. The assist coming from AJ Mittelsteadt (Fr.-Stoughton, WI/Stoughton) in the in the 69th minute bringing the Blugolds back with the lead at 3 to 1. The Prairie Wolves would answer back with a goal with 11 minutes left in the second half. The Blugolds would finish in a 3 to 2 win over the Prairie Wolves.
Mark Belknap (Fr.-Anoka, MN/Anoka) would have a stellar match, stopping 7 shots of the 8 he faced.
The Blugolds are now 3-1-0 and will host Northland College on Tuesday, September 14th for the first home game in program history. Kickoff is set for 7PM.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
