RIVER FALLS, Wis. (uwrfsports.com) - UW-River Falls gave up a late goal in overtime to fall to UW-Eau Claire 3-2 at home on Wednesday night. The game was a physical affair, with seven fouls being called on the Blugolds and Emily Sullivan and Katie Marthaler both picking up yellow cards in the final 15 minutes of the second half. 

The Blugolds controlled possession early by firing five shots in the first 10 minutes before an assist from Lauren Talbot set up a header for Mercedes Wilson. Her fourth goal of the year put UW-Eau Claire up 1-0 in the 11th minute. However, the Falcons didn't allow another shot for the rest of the first half. Mariah Troje weaved through multiple defenders on a run from midfield in the 24th minute before slotting the ball past Sammie Lefaive into the right corner to tie the game at 1-1. Haley Crosby's three saves in the opening six minutes was enough to make up for the 6-3 shot difference in the first half.

It only took six minutes for the Blugolds to go back in front when Anna Larson crossed the ball to Monica Zoellner. She put the ball past Crosby from only a few yards out to retake the lead 2-1 in the 52nd minute. The Falcons didn't take their first shot of the second half until freshman Moya Murray went around Lefaive as she slipped to tap in a shot for her first career goal. With the game even at 2-2, Crosby made some key saves down the stretch. Rachel Windingstad also had a shot from distance that just sailed wide in the 86th minute, and the teams were forced to settle the score in overtime. UWRF was outshot 11-2 in the second half, with Crosby making nine saves overall.

Amanda LaDue subbed in for Crosby at the beginning of overtime, and the Falcons quickly jumped out by taking three shots in the first six minutes. UW-Eau Claire's only shot in overtime found the back of the net when Krista Koenig sent a ball into the box for Sullivan to hammer past LaDue and clinch a 3-2 win for the Blugolds.

The game also honored the only two seniors for the Falcons, Erika Lagoon and Katie Marthaler. They have combined to play in 132 games over their four-year careers. UWRF has lost four in a row and is 9-8-1 overall and 2-4 in WIAC play. They will need to beat UW-Whitewater on the road at 3 p.m. on Saturday to guarantee a spot in the WIAC playoffs.