EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's soccer team was back at home on Saturday as they hosted UW-Whitewater for an afternoon Homecoming matinee. After falling behind 0-1 in the first half, the Blugolds evened things up in the second, and scored an overtime goal just minutes into the extra time for the 2-1 win.
The two United States Soccer Coaches Association (USSCA) Region IX teams battled for the full 90-minutes of regulation with each side dominating a half each. UWEC trailed after the first but came back after halftime and exploded with some offense tallying eight of their ten total shots in the second frame.
Nathan Donovan (Fr. – Hazel Green, WI/Wahlert Catholic) pulled through with an equalizer in the 56th minute to give the home squad some life. Will Heinen (Fr. – Champlin, MN/Champlin Park) earned an assist on the play after putting a through ball behind the defense to Donovan who broke free and put the ball near side on a breakaway for his team leading 13th goal of the year.
At the end of regulation, both sides were deadlocked at one and a total of 24 fouls had been called between the two sides.
It only took six minutes into the extra period for the ball the game to end after AJ Johnson (So. – New Richmond, WI) emerged as the hero. After a forward centering pass from Carter Thiesfeld (Fr. – Forest Lake, MN), Johnson made a break back to the left, dribbled around two Warhawk defenders, and slotted it to the far side of the net for the game winning tally. Johnson's heroic shot stands as his third goal of the season.
The Blugolds will have a quick turn around as they hit the road on Sunday, October 17th when they travel to Carthage College. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 PM.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
