Two first half goals led host University of Wisconsin-Platteville to a 2-0 win over Clarke in the home opener for the Pioneers on Wednesday night at Pioneer Stadium.

UW-Platteville (2-1) avenged a 2-0 loss to the Crusaders, last year, with the win. In the victory, the Pioneers controlled the possession for most of the contest, outshooting Clarke by a 14 to 6 margin. Both scoring opportunities for UW-Platteville came after fouls were whistled. In the loss, Clarke falls to 1-2 on the season and Dino Ramic led the attack with a pair of shots.

Pioneers' senior tri-captain Anthony Heller ended a scoreless tie when he capitalized on a Crusader foul in the ninth minute. From 25 yards out, Brandon Chimel sent a free kick into the box that an alert Heller took advantage of a bobble by the Clarke goalkeeper for the goal to put the Pioneers in front by a 1-0 margin.

20 minutes later in the half, Chmiel added his second goal of the season when he converted on a free kick to extend the UW-Platteville lead to 2-0. An aggressive defense throughout the contest and the tenacious play of goalkeeper Jared Kuehl led to the second-straight shutout for the Pioneers.

The Pioneers attempted to stretch the lead in the second half with seven additional shots in the final 45 minutes.

With a two-game winning streak, the Pioneers return to the road on Saturday, Sept. 10 to face Carleton and on Sunday, Sept. 11 against St. Olaf.