Yellowjacket men blank St. Mary's, women lose in double overtime

The University of Wisconsin-Superior men’s soccer team bounced back from a 1-0 loss to Bethel on Saturday night with a 2-0 road victory over St. Mary’s University Tuesday night in Winona, Minn.

It was the fifth win in the last six matches for the Yellowjackets, who entered the match ranked seventh in the NCAA Division III North Region by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

It was another tight match against a MIAC opponent for the Yellowjackets, but this time the close one went their way.

Moments after missing a header wide, Logan George opened the scoring for the Yellowjackets, converting a setup from Ben Royce midway through the first half, at 24:47, to make it 1-0.

The score stayed that way for much of the remainder of the match, with the teams trading a few scoring chances, but the defenses coming up big time and again.

The Yellowjackets scored the all-important insurance goal with 2:35 to play in regulation when Thomas Shuldheisz, who led the team with five shots attempted in the match, scored his third goal of the season to make it 2-0. Alberto Rivero had the assist on the play.

From there, it was up to the defense to hold the Cardinals at bay, which they did without allowing another scoring chance.

Matt Elder got the start in goal for the Yellowjackets and picked up the win, making four saves. On the year, Elder is 5-1 with two shutouts.

Chris Williams took the loss for St. Mary’s.

The Yellowjackets (8-3, 2-1 WIAC) return to WIAC play at 2 p.m. Saturday when they host UW-Whitewater at Public School Stadium in Duluth.

Women’s Soccer

The UWS women’s soccer team lost to Bethany Lutheran 1-0 in two overtimes Wednesday afternoon.

The ’Jackets were looking to win their school-record fourth straight game and outplayed BLC for most of the match, but came up short.

The only goal in the game came with 1:12 to play in the second overtime as Hannah Spaulding beat Yellowjacket goaltender Alexandra Paige.

The Yellowjackets carried the play in the match and continued their strong offensive play, outshooting the Vikings 28-17 and holding a 14-9 edge in shots on goal. However, they couldn’t solve Viking goalkeeper Alexa Mowery, who finished with 14 saves.

Sarah Johnson led the Yellowjackets with four shots on goal and Paige made eight saves.

The game-winning goal was the first goal Paige allowed since UW-Stevens Point scored with 30:49 to play in the second half back on Sept. 24, a span of 399:37 minutes.

The Yellowjackets (6-6, 0-3 WIAC) host UW-La Crosse at 4:30 p.m. Saturday at the Superior High School Soccer Complex.

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