PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – Junior
Janelle Minor scored in the 80th minute as the University of Wisconsin-Platteville women's soccer team (7-3-5, 3-0-2 WIAC) handed No. 15 UW-La Crosse (15-1-0, 4-1-0 WIAC) its first loss of the season on Wednesday night inside Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium.
The Eagles spent much of the night on the offensive end, but the Pioneers were able to make the most of their best scoring chance with just over 10 minutes remaining. Senior
Emma Verdon cleared the ball upfield to senior
Jess Morawski, who sent a crosser into the box. UW-La Crosse went to clear the pass, but Minor redirected the attempt and scored with a shot to the left side of the net.
Following the goal, UW-La Crosse put up six shots as time ran down in the second half, with one saved by UW-Platteville goalkeeper
Marguerite Mueller and another bouncing off the right woodwork. The Pioneers were able to maintain the shutout to beat the Eagles for the first time since 2013.
Mueller was busy in net, finishing with eight saves to record her seventh shutout on the season. The senior has now allowed just one goal over the past five games, while making 27 saves.
UW-La Crosse held a wide advantage in total shots (22-5), shots on goal (8-2), and corner kicks (10-1) throughout the night. Minor had a team-high two shots for the Pioneers, while senior
Margaret Slove had the other shot on goal.
The Pioneers handed UW-La Crosse its first WIAC loss since 2021. The Eagles entered the contest riding a 32-match unbeaten streak in conference play.
UW-Platteville will play its final regular season home game and recognize the senior class on Saturday at 6 p.m. against UW-Stevens Point.
