The UW-Eau Claire women’s soccer team improved to 5-0-1 this season, after two convincing victories this weekend.

The first win came against UW-River Falls on Saturday in a rainy game.

“The conditions were such that it was tough to play pretty soccer,” said head coach Sean Yengo. “It was a real scrappy game.”

Eau Claire maintained control for most of the first half. With the pressure mounting, the Blugolds were able to tack on two goals before halftime.

Although River Falls struggled offensively, they were able to get a goal back at the end of the first half, and cut their deficit to one.

Coach Yengo was upset with letting up at the end of the first half, and allowing River Falls to get back in the game. “You can’t be giving up goals like that,” said Yengo. “But we played much, much better in the second half.”

Applying pressure most of the half, the Blugolds were able to add to their lead with 34 minutes remaining in the half. Then again in the 63rd minute, Eau Claire was able to score again and put the game beyond doubt. The score remained the same and the Blugolds finished with a 4-1 victory.

Carrying their momentum from a hard fought Saturday game, Eau Claire was able to roll over their competition on Sunday.

Senior Amy Smith was able to add to her fantastic start to the season with a goal in the 2nd minute.

Eau Claire was able to come up with their second goal of the game as freshman Rachel Nerison’s cross attempt just caught the far netting behind the post. “I beat a girl on the side, and then was able to get it in the side netting around the goalie” said Nerison. “It worked out well.”

Smith then added her second and third goals of the game on two breakaways, to end up with a hat-trick before the 20th minute. “She played well,” said Yengo. “She’s a senior, and she’s just having an exceptional year so far.”

In the 38th minute on a ball that scooted across the goal box, junior Sam Krueger was able to pelt a shot to the far corner for an amazing finish. “I just had a one-time shot to the corner,” said Krueger. “It felt good, especially because collectively the team put a lot of effort into this week.”

In the 71st minute Smith had a strong cross that sophomore Jamie Schiesel pounded at the keeper, who couldn’t hold onto the ball. Schiesel ripped it at the keeper again who was forced to make the save, but still couldn’t keep the ball in her possession.

Then Nerison came up for a second rebound attempt and banged it into the back of the net for her second goal of the game.

With the game all but over in the 88th minute, junior Shannon Conlin crushed a shot at the keeper who was unable to maintain control of the ball resulting in another goal. The lead increased to 8-0, which was the final score of the game.

Yengo and his team are very happy with their start to the season, and are looking forward to seeing how things will unravel. “I’m so excited, this team is awesome,” Nerison said.” We play together so well, I’m just excited to see how good we can do, and how far we can go.”