By Anna Sveiven, UWEC Sports Information
MANKATO, Minn. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's team traveled to faceoff against Bethany Lutheran College in a back-and-forth match between the two teams. Eau Claire came out on top with a 5 to 3 victory.
In the first half both teams came out ready to play, but Bethany Lutheran would be the first to put a goal past the Blugolds in just the first minute. But Eau Claire's AJ Johnson (So.-New Richmond, WI/New Richmond) quickly responded with a goal, leaving both teams tied at 1 to 1 in the first five minutes. The Blugolds would take the lead in the 9th minute with a goal from Nathan Donovan (Fr. - Hazel Green, WI/Wahlert Catholic) and an assist from Carter Thiesfeld (Fr.- Forest Lake, MN/Forest Lake). Eau Claire would capitalize on there lead and out the pressure on Bethany Lutheran. The Vikings would quickly even the score at 2 to 2 in the 20th minute and they would take the 3 to 2 lead in the 30th minute putting the pressure on the Blugolds ending the 1st half.
Eau Claire would start the second half with a goal in the 50th minute of the game. Donovan would find the feet of Matt Folden (Fr.-Marine on Saint Croix, MN/Stillwater) who would tie the game up once again at 3 to 3. The Blugolds would hold the majority of the possession of the second half leading up to Johnson finding Donovan's feet for his second goal of the night and giving the Blugolds the 4 to 3 lead in the 67th minute. The Blugolds would cap off the goals with Donovan scoring off a penalty kick and earning the Blugolds a 5 to 3 win
Spencer Banks (Fr.-Stevens Point, WI/SPASH) had three saves on the night and is credited with the win against the Vikings.
Eau Claire, 13-4, stays on the road as they travel to Winona, MN to face off against Saint Mary's on Saturday, October 30th for a 12:30 PM kickoff.
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