Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's soccer team has made history by reaching the Elite Eight for the first time. This achievement came after a dramatic comeback victory over UW-Platteville in the Sweet 16 on Saturday, which was decided by penalty kicks.

In regulation, the Blugolds found themselves trailing twice but managed to equalize each time. The match concluded with a penalty shootout, where they triumphed 3-2. "They gave it to us, especially here at home," said Head Coach Casey Holm. "We're just elated that we're advancing."

Goalkeeper Jakob Leonard played a crucial role in the shootout by saving two penalties after entering the match specifically for this purpose. "We coined him as the best PK goalie in the country," Holm remarked. Leonard himself stated, "It's all about just knowing your role."

The Blugolds had previously defeated UW-Platteville during both the regular season and in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Tournament finals. However, their encounter in the Sweet 16 proved to be more challenging.

UW-Platteville initially took an early lead with a goal in the 17th minute and maintained it until halftime. The Blugolds responded with an equalizer from Jacob Sampson early in the second half. Despite falling behind again when UW-Platteville scored in the 60th minute, Owen Williams leveled things up once more with a late goal in regulation.

Williams credited his teammates for their perseverance: "Never had a doubt that we were going to score." In overtime, neither team could find another breakthrough, leading to penalties where Spencer Banks also contributed with key saves.

Carter Thiesfeld, Williams, and Elijah Post successfully converted their penalties for UW-Eau Claire during the shootout. With Leonard's decisive save against UW-Platteville's final attempt, he secured his team's advancement into their first-ever sectional final.

"Part of it was scouting report on what I've seen from them," explained Leonard regarding his strategy during penalties.

Next up for UW-Eau Claire is eighth-ranked Amherst College on Sunday at Simpson Field—a game that promises high stakes as both teams vie for a spot in this year's Final Four tournament round-up scheduled later next month according Coach Holm who anticipates an intense contest ahead: “It’ll be an amazing game tomorrow.”

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