Spring Break
Blugolds fall to rivals Wheaton (Ill.) 4-2
Offensive first half followed by defensive struggle in second
Frank Pellegrino
Issue date: 9/10/09 Section: Sports
09/12/09
Posted: 09/12/09
The UW-Eau Claire women's soccer team fell in their home opener 4-2 on Saturday against Wheaton College (Ill.). After an offensive first half, when all six goals were scored, a defensive struggle ensued during a physical second period.
As soon as the game started, an intense pace was set as both teams tried to impose their will.
"We've been coming out really strong," Coach Sean Yengo said. "We play the first 15-20 minutes really tough, we just need to make sure we build on that."
Sophomore Rachel Nerison got the goal scoring started in just the eighth minute. She dribbled the ball up the left side before cutting the ball back inside past a defender. Once she got an opening, she pounded a shot near post that the Wheaton goalkeeper got a hand on, but couldn't stop.
In the 18th minute Wheaton evened things up with a deep shot that was placed in the upper corner. The Blugolds had a chance for a clearance, but couldn't get it out, and ended up paying the price by conceding a goal. From there, the goals seemed to flood into both nets.
On a corner kick six minutes later, Nerison added her second goal of the game. Junior Megan Hillesheim placed the corner kick by the near post as Nerison ran through traffic and headed it in for the goal.
"Megan (Hillesheim) played a great ball," Nerison said. "The ball just came in and I said to myself, 'This is it. I've got to put it in the goal.'"
Eau Claire seemed to have the advantage through the air all game with great passes from Hillesheim. With nine corner kicks and numerous free kicks, the Blugolds seemed to be inches away from connecting each time.
"I try to create goal scoring opportunities," Hillesheim said. "I'm just trying to get the ball in at a good angle for them to run onto and attack the ball."
Less than four minutes passed before Wheaton knotted things up a second time. After one of those Eau Claire corner kicks, the defense struggled to get back and Wheaton took advantage, evening the score at 2-2.
Posted: 09/12/09
The UW-Eau Claire women's soccer team fell in their home opener 4-2 on Saturday against Wheaton College (Ill.). After an offensive first half, when all six goals were scored, a defensive struggle ensued during a physical second period.
As soon as the game started, an intense pace was set as both teams tried to impose their will.
"We've been coming out really strong," Coach Sean Yengo said. "We play the first 15-20 minutes really tough, we just need to make sure we build on that."
Sophomore Rachel Nerison got the goal scoring started in just the eighth minute. She dribbled the ball up the left side before cutting the ball back inside past a defender. Once she got an opening, she pounded a shot near post that the Wheaton goalkeeper got a hand on, but couldn't stop.
In the 18th minute Wheaton evened things up with a deep shot that was placed in the upper corner. The Blugolds had a chance for a clearance, but couldn't get it out, and ended up paying the price by conceding a goal. From there, the goals seemed to flood into both nets.
On a corner kick six minutes later, Nerison added her second goal of the game. Junior Megan Hillesheim placed the corner kick by the near post as Nerison ran through traffic and headed it in for the goal.
"Megan (Hillesheim) played a great ball," Nerison said. "The ball just came in and I said to myself, 'This is it. I've got to put it in the goal.'"
Eau Claire seemed to have the advantage through the air all game with great passes from Hillesheim. With nine corner kicks and numerous free kicks, the Blugolds seemed to be inches away from connecting each time.
"I try to create goal scoring opportunities," Hillesheim said. "I'm just trying to get the ball in at a good angle for them to run onto and attack the ball."
Less than four minutes passed before Wheaton knotted things up a second time. After one of those Eau Claire corner kicks, the defense struggled to get back and Wheaton took advantage, evening the score at 2-2.
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