EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The Knights went on the road and defeated (RV) the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire 1-0 on Tuesday, Sept. 29. Wartburg is now 3-2-3 overall and UW-Eau Claire moves to 5-2-2.
Diego Sanchez's first-half score in the 23rd minute with an assist from
Alima Mmunga proved to be the game-winner as the Knights held the Blugolds scoreless for Wartburg's second shutout of the season.
How It Happened
First Half
- After Charlie Mroz saved Sanchez's shot at 14:50 and the Knights earned a corner shortly after, Sanchez scored from an Mmunga assist at 22:17 to give the Knights a 1-0 lead.
- Wis.-Eau Claire followed with a corner and a shot saved by
Caleb Cross at 25:00, while the Knights generated three shots over the next six minutes, including
Flori Gembo's saved attempt at 30:55.
- The half turned physical with six fouls and cards combined from 31:34 to 39:21, and Cross added saves at 38:57 and 44:56 as the Knights led 1-0 at halftime.
Second Half
- The Knights put together an early second-half push as Mmunga forced a save at 50:14, added another shot high and the Knights earned corner kicks at 50:22 and 51:22 before Sanchez shot high at 51:52.
- Wis.-Eau Claire generated four shots through 61:04, but the Knights later created another stretch with Gembo attempts at 65:09 and 73:16 around a
Lwings Kabula shot saved by Alex Cernea at 67:41.
- Wis.-Eau Claire pressed late with four shots from 79:30 to 86:33, including two saves by Cross, and the scoreless half closed the Knights' 1-0 win.
Top Performers
Diego Sanchez
- one goal
- game-winning goal
- three shots, two on goal
Caleb Cross
- five saves
- one shutout
- 90 minutes
Alima Mmunga
- one assist
- four shots, one on goal
Match Notes
- Wartburg now leads the all-time series 1-0 after today's inaugural matchup
- Secured back-to-back wins for the first time this season
- Gave the Blugold's their second-straight loss after starting the season 5-0-2
- Second goal of the season and third of his career for Sanchez
- First career game-winning goal for Sanchez at the Knights
- First career solo shutout for Cross
- Third assist of the season and 12th of his career for Mmunga
Up Next
Up next, the Knights soccer team hosts the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater on Friday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m. at Salzwedel Field in Waverly, Iowa for the fifth annual Warhawk Knight Cup matchup.
