EAU CLAIRE, Wis - The University of Dubuque women's soccer team made the trip into Wisconsin to face UW-Eau Claire on Friday evening. The Spartans dueled with the Blugolds for all 90 minutes with strong attacking play but found themselves on the wrong end of a 2-0 result.
The first half began with both sides settling in; after the first 10 minutes, momentum shifted toward the Spartans. Controlling possession, UD pushed their advantage with shots coming from Ava Hortillosa and Brooke Clark. Hortillosa put the Blugolds keeper under distress with an effort from over 20 yards, barely being tipped over the bar in the 27th minute. Sarah Thompson nearly put the Spartans in front in the 35th minute, having her goal ruled offside. Near the end of the half, against the run of play, the Blugolds scored to make it 1-0.
Hoping to equalize quickly, the Spartans came out of the half and put forward multiple strong attempts. Three shots on goal only a few minutes apart were saved. Amelia Pash had a good shot from far out; Rylie Mensik cut in and put one towards the far post and Clark had her header saved from a corner kick. As the play evened out, Eau Claire found a second goal in the 66th minute to make it 2-0. The Spartans kept pressing to get right back in the game, with the best remaining chance falling to Hortillosa in the 72nd minute, when a free-kick attempt on the edge of the box was pushed out right by the goalie. At the full-time whistle, the Spartans fell 2-0.
Brooke Clark, Ava Hortillosa and Bree Swenson all led the Spartans with three shots each. Samantha Jurgens made five saves in goal, with one in the first half and four in the second half.
Up Next
After three games on the road, UD will return home to face off with UW-Platteville on Tuesday, September 29. The match is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Oyen Field.
