Chippewa Valley Times

Nathan Donovan scored a hat trick to lead the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's soccer team to a 4-0 victory over Carroll University on Wednesday at Simpson Field. The senior from Hazel Green, Wisconsin, found the net three times within the first 21 minutes of the match, helping secure the win for the 12th-ranked Blugolds.

The scoring began with Tate McDermott's first career goal in the eighth minute. The freshman from Grimes, Iowa, headed in a cross from Donovan, with Cooper Roberts providing an additional assist.

Donovan initiated his trio of goals in the 12th minute by sending a shot through a defender's legs into the net. McDermott assisted on this goal as well. In the 19th minute, Donovan extended UW-Eau Claire's lead to 3-0 with a long-range effort that slipped past Carroll's goalkeeper. Assists were credited to McDermott and Carson Kowalski.

Less than two minutes later, Donovan completed his hat trick with a sweeping strike while falling to the ground in the 21st minute. Owen Backus and Sean Redmond contributed assists on this play.

Three Blugold goalkeepers shared responsibilities for maintaining a clean sheet: Spencer Banks, Mark Belknap, and Charlie Mroz each made one save during their time on the field.

Donovan concluded the game with three goals and an assist—his fourth hat trick of the season—while McDermott recorded two assists alongside his goal. The Blugolds held a significant advantage in shots on goal with nine compared to Carroll's three.

Looking ahead, UW-Eau Claire will face UW-Whitewater on Saturday, October 12th in a Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference matchup scheduled for 7 p.m.

Fans can follow Blugold soccer throughout the season via their website or social media platforms including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.