Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's soccer team ended their match against UW-Whitewater in a 2-2 draw on Wednesday night. The Blugolds, ranked seventh, managed to score twice in the second half, overturning a deficit to lead 2-1 before the Warhawks equalized late in the game. Both teams earned a point each in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) standings.

In the first half, UW-Whitewater gained an advantage with a goal from a corner kick in the 41st minute. The Blugolds responded after halftime when Jacob Sampson's long throw-in was flicked by Nathan Donovan into Tate McDermott's path, who then scored to level the match at 1-1 in the 55th minute.

UW-Eau Claire took their only lead of the game in the 72nd minute when Donovan headed in a goal following a free kick by Alvaro Alanis. However, UW-Whitewater struck back with an equalizer from a long free kick that resulted in a headed goal during the 80th minute.

Goalkeeper Mark Belknap made four saves for UW-Eau Claire as they outshot their opponents 13-9. With this result, the Blugolds now have ten points and are at the top of WIAC standings with one game remaining. A victory in their final regular-season match could secure them their first-ever WIAC championship title since it is also the inaugural season for men's soccer within this conference.

The Blugolds will play against UW-River Falls on Saturday, November 2, with kickoff set for 7 p.m., where they aim to clinch the WIAC title. Depending on other results within WIAC games scheduled before theirs, they might secure the championship even before playing.

For more updates throughout their season, fans can follow UW-Eau Claire's progress via Blugolds.com or through social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.