PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville men's soccer team (6-3-4, 0-1-2 WIAC) scored first on Friday night but ultimately fell 2-1 to UW-Eau Claire (9-2-2, 3-0-0 WIAC) inside Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium.

Senior goalkeeper Seth Aiken came up big early in the contest, after a foul gave the Blugolds a penalty kick opportunity in the 25th minute. Aiken turned aside the shot attempt, and the game remained scoreless until the 31st minute when the Pioneers got a penalty kick of their own. Senior Sebastian Carranza drove home a goal to the lower left corner to give UW-Platteville the lead with his fifth score of the season.

UW-Eau Claire answered just before halftime, finding the back of the net in the 41st minute. The game remained deadlocked at one for much of the second half, until the Blugolds broke through in the 74th minute to take the one-goal lead. The Pioneers were unable to find the equalizer as the game wound down, and UW-Eau Claire hung on for the 2-1 win.

The Blugolds held a 14-7 advantage in shots throughout the match, including a 3-1 lead in shots on target. Senior Ethan Dietrich had a team-high two shots for the Pioneers, while Carranza's penalty kick was the team's lone shot on frame.

The physical contest saw the two sides combine for 34 fouls and nine yellow cards.

Up next, the Pioneers will host North Park on Wednesday night. Game time is set for 7 p.m.