Pioneers Beat Raiders In Season Opener

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – An early second half goal proved to be enough as the University of Wisconsin-Platteville men's soccer team (1-0-0) earned a season-opening 1-0 win over MSOE (0-1-0) on Friday night at Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium.

The Pioneers took down MSOE for the first time since the 2010 campaign. The Raiders had won six of the prior eight matchups, with the only two results being draws.

Scoring chances were limited in the first 45 minutes, and the game sat scoreless at halftime. UW-Platteville had a couple of chances on set pieces, including a corner kick that saw the Pioneers attempt multiple shots on goal before a foul ended the threat.

A minute into the second half, senior Alex Wano scored the game's long goal on a set piece. Sophomore Justin Williams put the ball into the box on a free kick and junior Ethan Dietrich deflected the ball across the front of the net. Wano beat his defender to the ball and put his shot home to put the Pioneers on the board.

UW-Platteville's defense put together a fantastic showing, holding the Raiders to just six total shots. None of those attempts finished on target, as the Pioneers kept MSOE's scoring opportunities to a minimum. Junior goalkeeper Seth Aiken collected the win in net with the shutout.

The Pioneers recorded 12 shots of their own, with two on frame. Besides Wano's game-winning goal, senior Isaac Petersen had UW-Platteville's other shot on goal.

UW-Platteville hits the road for the next three games, starting with a trip to St. Scholastica on Friday, September 6. The contest is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.

*As with every UW-Platteville win this year, the Platteville A&W will be offering a $3 Pioneer burger the day after the win and the Platteville Taco John's will be offering 10 tacos for $10 the day after each Pioneer win.