Pioneers cruise past Norse

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – A pair of first half goals by freshman Lucas Godon guided the University of Wisconsin-Platteville men's soccer team to a 2-0 victory Friday night over regional foe Luther College. After the contest in Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium, the Pioneers (12-2-2) remain unbeaten in 14 games and shutout the Norse (9-6-2) for their seventh shutout of the season.

As of this week, both teams were named to the NCAA DIII Regional Rankings while UW-Platteville sits 5^th and Luther sits 4^th in the most recent United Soccer Coaches' Regional Rankings.

It didn't take long for the Pioneers to pull ahead and never look back. Godon fired one into the net from sophomore Jack Gentilli in the 5^th minute of the game to give the Pioneers an early 1-0 lead.

Ten minutes later off a UW-Platteville corner kick, a saved header by freshman John Bochenczak was recovered and drilled in by Godon to double the lead. The 2-0 advantage would be enough to hold for the remainder of the game.

Freshman Chase Werner kept another clean slate while recording three saves. Carson Davenport also tallied three saves for the Norse.

Overall, Luther finished with a 12-9 advantage on shots with all but one happening in the second half. The Pioneers put five on goal and the Norse tallied three on frame.

"Our team is playing for our family," said Director of Soccer Sam Koenig. "Each minute our team is getting more and more experience playing in big matchups within our region and nationally. We are winning and it is an entire family effort. Now we must focus on another top opponent Sunday."

The Pioneers will take a day to recover and return to action with the newly scheduled home contest against Carthage College on Sunday, Oct. 24 at 1 p.m. in Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium.