The Blugolds took on La Crosse at home on at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8 at Simpson Field. The women’s soccer team tried to defend their undefeated home field but fell short. This leaves Eau Claire’s home score at 4-1.

Coach Sean Yengo has been the women’s soccer coach for the past 26 years.

“I really like this team, they have learned to trust in each other and their coaches,” said coach Yengo, “Now it is just about executing the game plan, and not panicking when things don’t go our way.”

According to Blugolds.com there were 100 people in attendance at the game between students, parents, alumni and opposing spectators.

Not only was this game the Blugolds homecoming game, but it was also this year’s alumni game. This allows women’s soccer alumni to come back to their alma mater and reconnect with other past Blugolds as well as current students.

Third-year psychology student Lola Ruff is a midfielder for the team.

“It was great having the alumni here. I have a cousin who graduated from here in 2005 and it was nice to see her here and have her out in the stands with my family watching the game,” Ruff said.

La Crosse scored the first goal of the game which ended up being the only goal in the first half leaving the score at 0-1.

During half-time, the alumni in attendance were called onto the field for recognition. There were 18 alumni who came to support the Blugolds and revisit their alma mater. All of their names were announced and they got their photos taken.

La Crosse scored the second and final goal of the game at 77:43. This left the game at 0-2 for the Eagles.

During the game, the Eau Claire team took 3 shots in addition to having 9 saves throughout the game.

Although the team didn’t win, Yengo said Paige Crawford, Kiki Kussow and Kennedy Boll all played very well along with Maggie Conway having a great defensive game.

Ruff said the team stays motivated by working hard for the WIAC tournament because that is what they are all there for. 

Ruff said, to prepare for the game, “Personally listening to my playlist and visualizing and imagining myself on the field. As a team, we push each other during warmups and pregame. We want everyone to be at their best so we push each other.”

The WIAC is the team’s big conference tournament at the end of the season. All the games played during the season helps the team prepare to give their best at the tournament.

The Blugolds are two-thirds of the way to the WIAC tournament having played 12 games and having 6 left.

After this game, the women’s soccer team’s overall score is 7-4-1.

The soccer team will be on the road for their next game which will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 12 against UW-Stout at Nelson field.

With such a quick turnaround Yengo said their focus is on, “Playing our style of soccer we need to be more disciplined in the middle third and not be in such a hurry to get into the attacking third.”

Looking forward to this game, something the team wants to improve on Ruff said, “Not letting in goals and scoring more goals. Personally stand on my mark and also being confident on the ball when penetrating and going forward.”

For more information about women’s soccer games and scores visit their page on Blugolds.com.

Geske can be reached at [email protected].