Falcons Lose to UWSP, 2-1, in Overtime

Nov. 8, 2003

The Falcons lost a close 2-1 decision in overtime to UW-Stevens Point in the WIAC Tournament championship game played Saturday afternoon at Ramer Field.

After a scoreless first half, the Falcons grabbed a 1-0 lead at 74:23 when Katie Rooney scored her fifth goal of the season. Sarah Carlson got the lone assist. UWSP tied the game at 79:31 when Jenny Bruce scored with an assist to Melissa Becker. That's how regulation ended.

Andie Oswald got the game winner at 104:52 with an assist to Megan Frey. UWSP outshot the Falcons 38-4. Falcon goalie Apryl Jennrich made 20 saves and UWSP's Melissa Meister stopped three shots.

The Falcons, 17-4 overall, will have to wait to see if they can land an at large berth into the NCAA Div. III tournament.

Carlson Scores Twice to Help Lead Falcons to 3-1 Win

Nov. 2, 2003

Sarah Carlson scored twice to help lead the Falcon women's soccer team to a 3-1 win over Nebraska Wesleyan Sunday afternoon at Ramer Field.

The Falcons scored two second half goals to get the win. The Falcons took a 1-0 lead at 5:20 when Carlson scored with Emily Rodgers getting the assist. Rodgers picked up her second assist of the year. NW tied the game at 33:47 when Megan McCarville scored her ninth goal of the year.

Carlson scored what proved to be the game winner at 47:56 off passes from Amy Jensen and Ashley Peterson. It was Carlson's team leading 16th goal of the year. Jensen has a team leading eight assists and Peterson has six. The Falcons got an insurance goal at 86:13 when Miranda Pogulis scored her fourth of the year with Katie Rooney assisting. It was Rooney's second assist of the season.

Falcon goalie Apryl Jennrich made four saves and improved her record to 16-2. NW's goalie, Jane Hoops, stopped four shots.

The Falcons, 16-3 overall, will host the WIAC Tournament on Friday and Saturday at Ramer Field. On Friday the Falcons, the tourney's No. 1 seed, will play fourth seeded UW-Oshkosh at 11 a.m. In the other semifinal on Friday, UW-Stevens Point, seeded No. 2, will play third seeded UW-La Crosse at 2 p.m. The winners will play for the championship at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Falcons Claim WIAC Title; Ranked Nationally

Oct. 30, 2003

The Falcon soccer team has won the 2003 WIAC Championship with a 6-2 conference record and are ranked 8th in the NCAA Central Region.

The Falcons were assured the WIAC title after UW-Whitewater and UW-Stevens Point played to a 0-0 overtime tie on Wednesday in Whitewater.

The championship for the Falcons is the first in school history and breaks UW-Stevens Point's streak of six straight league crowns. UWRF finished with 18 points to just top UWSP which finished with 17 points with a 5-1-2 record.

The Falcons, under Coach Sean McKuras will host the four-team league tournament beginning on Nov. 7 and will face fourth seed UW-Oshkosh at 11 a.m at Ramer Field. The other semifinal will feature second seed Stevens Point and third seed UW-La Crosse at 2 p.m. Semifinal winners will meet at 1 p.m. on Nov. 8 to decide the league's automatic qualifier into the NCAA Division III Tournament.

The Falcons, 15-3 overall, will host Nebraska Wesleyan on Sunday at Ramer Field. Action starts at 1 p.m.

Falcons Beat Wisconsin Lutheran, 7-1

Oct. 26, 2003

Ashley Peterson scored three goals and the Falcons scored a season high seven in a 7-1 win over Wisconsin Lutheran Sunday afternoon at Ramer Field.

UWRF held 6-0 at halftime. Peterson started the scoring at 3:20 with an assist to Sarah Carlson. Peterson scored again at 5:40 with Katie Rooney assisting. Carlson gave the Falcons a 3-0 lead at 7:52 with her 14th goal of the year. Peterson picked up the assist. Peterson scored her third of the game, and seventh of the year, at 20:07. Rooney scored her third goal of the year at 27:30 with Amy Jensen and Sonja Dudley assisting. Lindsay Karter ended the scoring in the half with a goal at 42:20 with Miranda Pogulis assisting. WLC made it a 6-1 game at 57:23 of the second half when Bekah Himm scored. The Falcons got that one back at 87:47 when Tiffany Schafer scored her first goal of the year with an assist to Jensen.

Falcon goalie Apryl Jennrich improved her record to 15-2 making seven saves. The Falcons had 18 shots on goal with Peterson leading the way with four. Warrior goalie Beth Dahlie made eight saves.

The Falcons are now 12-1 at home this season. UW-RF, 15-3 overall and 6-2 in the WIAC, will next host Nebraska Wesleyan Sunday at Ramer Field. Action starts at 1 p.m.

Falcons Clinch Second in WIAC With Win

Oct. 25, 2003

Sarah Carlson’s two goals help led the Falcons to a 4-1 victory over UW-Whitewater in a WIAC match Saturday at Ramer Field.

With the win, River Falls (6-2 WIAC, 14-3 overall) clinches second place in the conference and the 14 wins is also a school record previously established by last year’s team.

"The girls came out strong in the beginning," River Falls coach Sean McKuras said. "They took care of their early chances which changed the game."

Lisa McGuire scored her first goal of the season five minutes into the game off the assist from Molly McClanahan. Nearly 10 minutes later, Carlson scored her first goal on a header from Gina Hawkins. Jessie Olsen added the final goal in the first half for RF as the Falcons took a commanding 3-0 lead into halftime.

Carlson added her second goal of the game and her team leading 13th of the season 15 minutes into the second half off the assist from Amy Jensen.

Whitewater (4-2-1 WIAC, 11-3-1 overall) got on the board when Lindsey Kohlbeck beat Falcon goalkeeper Apryl Jennrich with the shot at the 67 minute mark. It was the first time Jennrich had given up a goal in nearly 485 minutes of action, consisting of a span of 5 1/2 games. Before Kohlbeck’s goal, the last team to score on Jennrich was Eau Claire on Oct. 8th.

The Falcons, who are now 11-1 at home this season, host Wisconsin Lutheran 11 a.m. Sunday at Ramer Field.

Falcons Beat Stout, 2-0

Oct. 22, 2003

Amy Jensen and Jessie Olson scored goals and goalie Apryl Jennrich made six saves to help lead the Falcon soccer team to a 2-0 win over UW-Stout Wednesday afternoon at Ramer Field.

The win gives the Falcons 13 this year which ties a school record for wins in a season. Last year's team also had 13 wins.

After a scoreless first half, the Falcons scored twice in the second half to get the win. Jensen scored her sixth goal of the year at 69:23 to put the Falcons ahead for good. UW-RF added an insurance goal at 77:13 when Olson scored on a penalty kick. It was Olson's first goal of the year. Jensen, Olson and Lisa McGuire each had three shots to lead the Falcons. Stout was led by Kelly Stolarczyk who had two shots.

UW-RF goalie Jennrich made six saves to raise her record to 13-3 this year. It was her ninth shutout of the season and 19th of her career. She has not allowed a goal in the last 418:45. Stout goalie Melissa Ballweg stopped six shots.

UW-RF, now 13-3 overall and 5-2 in the WIAC, will host UW-Whitewater in another WIAC match on Saturday. Action starts at noon at Ramer Field. UW-W is currently in second place in the conference standings with a 4-0-1 WIAC record. The Falcons are in third place.

Falcons Top UMC, 2-0

Oct. 19, 2003

Sarah Carlson and Katie Rooney each scored goals and goalie Apryl Jennrich made eight saves to help lead the Falcons to a 2-0 win over UM-Crookston Sunday afternoon at Ramer Field.

Carlson scored her team leading 11th goal of the year at 27:31 off a long pass from Ashley Peterson. It was Peterson's third assist of the season. The Falcons got an insurance goal at 32:01 when Rooney headed home a cross from Lisa McGuire. It was Rooney's second goal of the year and McGuire's first assist.

Jennrich recorded her eighth shutout of the season and the 18th of her career. She has not allowed a goal in the last four games she has played in.

UW-RF, now 12-3 overall and 4-2 in the WIAC, will host UW-Stout on Wednesday at Ramer Field. Action starts at 4 p.m.

Rodgers Scores Twice to Help Falcons Beat Cobbers

Oct. 18, 2003

Emily Rodgers' two goals were more than enough to help lead the Falcon soccer team to a 2-0 victory over Concordia-Moorhead in non-conference action Saturday at Ramer Field.

The junior tallied her two goals early in the first half with assists credited to Sarah Carlson and Amy Jensen on each goal. Rodgers now has five goals on the season, tied for second with Jensen. Carlson's assist was her third of the year and her team leading 23rd point of the season

RF (11-3 overall) and Concordia each finished with 14 shots with Falcon goalkeeper Apryl Jennrich recording her third straight shutout and seventh of the season. Jennrich made eight saves on the day compared to Cobber goalkeeper Jamie Savage who made six.

Carlson led the Falcons with four shots on goal while Ashley Peterson and Jessie Olson each had three.

UW-RF, who improved to 8-1 at home on the year, will play University of Minnesota-Crookston in a non-conference tilt starting at noon on Sunday at Ramer Field.

Falcons Get 3-0 Win

Oct. 12, 2003

The Falcons scored three first half goals and went on to a 3-0 win over the University of Mary Sunday afternoon at Ramer Field.

Ashley Peterson started the scoring for the Falcons with a goal at 4:40. She scored after going half the length of the field. The Falcons took a 2-0 lead at 24:45 when Sarah Carlson scored off a scramble in front of the Maurader goal. Emily Rodgers got the assist. Miranda Pogulis scored the final Falcon goal at 43:52 on a shot from the left side. Amy Jensen picked up the lone assist. Peterson scored her fourth goal of the year, Carlson her 10th and Pogulis her third.

Falcon goalie Apryl Jennrich picked up her fifth shutout of the year and made four saves in the game. UM goalie Kristin Werner made six saves. Carlson, Peterson and Julie Shuldheisz each had three shots.

The Falcons, now 10-3 overall and 4-2 in the WIAC, next host Concordia-Moorhead on Saturday at Ramer Field with play starting at 3 p.m.

Falcons Win at UWS, 4-0

Oct. 11, 2003

The Falcons got goals from four players en route to a 4-0 win at UW-Superior Saturday afternoon.

The Falcons held a 3-0 lead at the half. Ashley Peterson scored her third goal of the year just 1:38 into the game to give the Falcons the lead. Emily Rodgers scored at 9:56 to put the Falcons ahead, 2-0. It was her third goal of the year. At 32:57, Sarah Carlson scored her team-leading ninth goal of the year to put the Falcons ahead 3-0. Amy Jensen scored the final goal of the game at 89:15. It was her fifth goal of the season.

Miranda Pogulis led the Falcons with four shots and Peterson had three.

UWRF held UWS to just one shot. The Falcons used three goals,. Apryl Jennrich started and made one save and played 57:36. Belinda Miller played 26:19 and Becca Prybilla played 6:15.

The Falcons are 10-0 all-time against UWS and have not allowed a goal in the 10 contests against the Jackets.

The Falcons, now 9-3 overall and 4-2 in the WIAC, host Mary College on Sunday at Ramer Field. Action starts at noon.

Blugold Hat Trick Fools Falcons, 3-0

Oct. 8, 2003

UW-Eau Claire's Kiley Zellner scored all three goals in the game to lead her team to a 3-0 win over UW-River Falls Wednesday afternoon at Eau Claire.

Zellner scored her first goal at 23:53 off passes from Kacie Fry and Marcia Foltz. She netted her second goal at 27:48 unassisted. In the second half, Zellner completed the hat trick off a pass from Sara Bahlmann at 76:15.

The Blugolds took 15 shots and six corner kicks while the Falcons were limited to only three shots and two corner kicks.

The Falcons, now 8-3 overall and 3-2 in the WIAC, next travel to UW-Superior for a WIAC match against the Yellowjackets on Saturday. Action starts at 2 p.m.

Falcons Drop 1-0 Decision to NMU

Oct. 4, 2003

Northern Michigan's Kerri Vandervelden scored the only goal of the game to help lead her team to a 1-0 win over UW-River Falls Saturday afternoon at Ramer Field.

Vandervelden scored her fourth goal of the year at 45:47.

Falcon goalie Belinda Miller and NMU's Jamie Rocho both made eight saves. NMU had 24 shots and UW-RF finished with 14. Rachel Vilders led NMU with six shots and Ashley Peterson led the Falcons with four.

The Falcons, now 8-2 overall and 3-1 in the WIAC, next travel to UW-Eau Claire for a WIAC match against the Blugolds. Action starts at 4 p.m.

Jensen's Penalty Kick Goal in OT Lifts Falcons

Oct. 3, 2003

Amy Jensen scored the game-winning goal, on a penalty kick in overtime, to help lead the Falcons to a 2-1 win at Concordia-St. Paul Friday afternoon.

Jensen scored her fourth goal of the year at 116:43 to lift the Falcons to their eighth win of the year. Katie Rooney gave the Falcons a 1-0 lead at 28:27 when she scored her first goal of the year. Ashley Peterson and Sarah Carlson picked up assists. It was Peterson's third and Carlson second assist of the year. CSP tied the game at 50: 42 when Rachel Vitense scored. That set up Jensen's game-winner in the second overtime.

The Falcons outshot the Golden Bears 12-5 in regulation and 4-2 in the overtimes. The Falcons had a 16-7 advantage in shots for the game.

Falcon goalie Apryl Jennrich made five saves to raise her record to 8-1. She had three saves in the second half and one in each overtime session.

The Falcons, now 8-1 overall and 3-1 in the WIAC, next host Northern Michigan on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Ramer Field.

Falcons Dominate Bethany Lutheran, 4-0

Sept. 30, 2003

The UW-River Falls soccer team didn't even give up one shot in a 4-0 win against Bethany Lutheran at Ramer Field Tuesday afternoon.

Asley Peterson opened the scoring at 29:02 off a corner kick. A little more than 10 minutes later, Amy Jensen put the ball in the net. The second goal came at 39:27. In the second half, the Falcons continued their unrelenting attack. Miranda Pogulis scored off an assist from Sarah Carlson at 49:58. Michele Lynch added an unassisted goal at 68:56 for the Falcons' fourth goal of the afternoon.

Falcon goalkeepers Apryl Jennrich and Belinda Miller didn't even have to make one save to get the shutout win. Jennrich played 69 minutes while Miller played 21 minutes. Bethany Lutheran's goalie Melissa Peymann had a busy day, making 18 saves.

Jensen led the Falcons with eight shots. Pogulis took seven shots while Peterson took four. River Falls took 37 shots and held Bethany Lutheran to none.

The Falcons, now 7-1 overall and 3-1 in the WIAC, next play non-conference matches at Concordia-St. Paul Friday at 3 p.m. and at Ramer Field against Northern Michigan Saturday at 1 p.m.

Falcons Win at UWO, 2-1, in Overtime

Sept. 27, 2003

The Falcons grabbed a 2-1 overtime win at UW-Oshkosh Saturday afternoon.

The Falcons used every last second possible in getting the win. With UWO leading, Ashley Peterson tied the game with just 3:17 to play in the match. She scored her first goal of the season, unassisted, at 86:43. Then Sarah Carlson scored the game-winner with just 14.8 seconds to play in the second overtime. It was Carlson's eighth goal of the year and she was assisted by Peterson on the play. UWO's Nicole Kunick gave her team a 1-0 lead with a gol at 34:54. It was her ninth goal of the year. The loss was the first for the Titans in eight matches. UW-RF is now 1-1 in road matches.

Falcon goalie Apryl Jennrich made four saves to get the win. UWO goalie Sara Tomjanovich made six saves.

Carlson led the Falcons with three shots whiile Molly McClanahan, Peterson, Lisa McGuire and Amy Jensen each had two. Each team had 13 shots.

The Falcons, now 6-1 overall and 3-1 in the WIAC, next play a non-conference match at Ramer Field on Tuesday against Bethany Lutheran. Action starts at 4 p.m.

Falcons Top Carleton, 2-1; Carlson Scores Twice

Sept. 25, 2003

Sarah Carlson scored two goals to help lead the Falcons to a 2-1 win over Carleton College Thursday afternoon at Ramer Field.

Carleton had a 1-0 lead at the half. Caitlin Coomes scored her fourth goal of the year at 41:20. Steph Johnson picked up the assist.

The Falcons came out stronger in the second half. Carlson scored at 51:04 to tie the game. Amy Jensen got the assist. The Falcons got the eventual game-winner at 71:26 when Carlson scored her seventh goal of the season. Gina Hawkins assisted on the play.

UW-RF goalie Apryl Jennrich picked up her fifth win of the season and made 14 saves. CC goalie Sarah Granofsky made three saves. Jensen led the Falcons with five shots and Johnson led CC with five.

The Falcons, now 5-1 overall and 1-1 in the WIAC, play a conference match at UW-Oshkosh on Saturday with action starting at 2 p.m.

Carlson Scores in Overtime to Help Falcons to Win

Sept. 23, 2003

Sarah Carlson scored the game-winning goal in overtime to help lift the Falcons to a 1-0 win over UW-La Crosse Tuesday afternoon at Ramer Field.

Carlson scored the game-winner from 30 feet out at 99:38. The two teams battled to a scoreless tie through 90 minutes. UWL, now 3-4 overall and 0-2 in the WIAC, finished the game with 12 shots and the Falcons had 10, including two in the overtime session. Falcon goalie Apryl Jennrich made 11 saves and UWL's Stephanie Harbaugh stopped eight shots.

The Falcons, now 4-1 overall and 1-1 in the WIAC, host Carleton on Thursday at Ramer Field. Action starts at 4 p.m.

Falcons Drop 5-0 Decision at UWSP

Sept. 19, 2003

The Falcon women’s soccer team lost for the first time this year, 5-0, at UW-Stevens Point Saturday afternoon.

UWSP scored twice in the first half. Melissa Becker scored at 28:49 and Kelly Fink scored the first of her three goals at 38:57. Fink scored at 52:48 to put UWSP up 3-0. Andrea Oswald scored at 54:24 and Fink ended the scoring with her third goal at 72:03.

UWRF had two shots on goal - by Molly McClanahan and Sarah Carlson. Falcon goalie Apryl Jennrich made five saves in the game.

The Falcons, now 3-1 overall and 0-1 in the WIAC, host UW-La Crosse on Tuesday at Ramer Field. Action starts at 4 p.m.

Falcons Shutout Augsburg, 2-0

Sept. 14, 2003

The Falcon women’s soccer team showed no effects of playing their second match in less than 24 hours as it shut out Augsburg 2-0 in a non-conference tilt this morning at Ramer Field.

"These girls have come a long way," UW-RF Coach Sean McKuras said. "They have done a great job of following the game plan we’ve set for them."

River Falls (3-0 overall) got on the board at the 30 minute mark when Emily Rodgers scored her second goal of the season, on a header, off a corner kick from Ashley Peterson.

"It was pure instinct on Emily’s part," McKuras said. "The play couldn’t have been drawn up any better. After that goal, everyone’s play just elevated."

Sarah Carlson added the insurance goal with 12 minutes left with the assist credited to Gina Hawkins. It was the sophomore’s fourth goal of the year and that leads the Falcons.

"Augsburg’s a good defensive team," McKuras said. "They tested us and we came out and handled it by playing good, patient soccer."

Falcon goalkeeper Apryl Jennrich recorded her second shutout of the season, and 13th of her career, by stopping all seven Auggie shots.

The Falcons travel to perennial conference power UW-Stevens Point on Saturday. Action starts at 2 p.m. in UW-RF's first road game of the year.

Falcons Top SMU, 4-1

Sept. 13, 2003

The Falcon women’s soccer team improved to 2-0 with a 4-1 nonconference victory over Saint Mary’s University this afternoon at Ramer Field.

"Our women didn’t quit," Falcon coach Sean McKuras said. "They worked hard trying to exploit their weakness and to play through it."

River Falls jumped out to a 2-0 lead as sophomore Sarah Carlson scored both goals. She scored in the 21st and 56th minute of play. For Carlson, it was her second and third goals of the year with assists going to Molly McClanahan and Emily Rodgers on each goal.

Diane Schirmers scored the lone SMU goal 10 minutes later as it was the only shot that Falcon goal keeper Apryl Jennrich allowed in six attempts.

Freshman Amy Jensen scored the last two Falcon goals within the last 10 minutes of the match to put the game away. For Jensen, it was her first goals of the year. Tiffany Schafer assisted on the second goal.

"Their coach took a chance to be more offensive after their goal which exposed their back play," McKuras explained. "We wanted to expose that and had the personnel to do that."

The Falcons host Augsburg College in another nonconference match at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Ramer Field.

Falcons Blank Platteville In Season Opener

Sept. 6, 2003

The Falcon women’s soccer team shut out UW-Platteville 3-0 in their conference opener this afternoon at Ramer Field.

"I was very pleased," River Falls coach Sean McKuras said. "We came out with a style to play and the girls followed it."

River Falls (1-0 WIAC, 1-0 overall) got off to a fast start as Sarah Carlson scored the first goal three minutes into the first period off the assist from Amy Jensen.

Emily Rodgers tallied the second goal 13 minutes later off the corner kick from Ashley Peterson. Miranda Pogulis added the final goal at the 14 minute mark in the first half off of another corner kick.

UW-RF out shot Platteville 21-2 as Gina Hawkins, Lindsay Karter, Jensen and Rodgers had three shots on goal each.

"Our defense did a nice job of constantly pressuring them." McKuras added.

River Falls host Saint Mary’s University 1 p.m. Saturday at Ramer Field.

Falcons Open Season by Hosting UW-Platteville

Sept. 3, 2003

Sean McKuras sounds like a man with no worries. And why not? The second-year head coach for the Falcon women's soccer team can't wait for the season to start at 3 p.m. Saturday against UW-Platteville at Ramer Field.

"The potential is unlimited," McKuras said. "It's been a pleasure to be part of this team and their attitude has been fantastic."

McKuras‚ optimism lies in the fact with the success the Falcons had last year. Predicted to finish seventh in the WIAC, UW-RF finished in a tied for third and advanced to the conference semifinals. However, that doesn't even began to tell the story River Falls had in 2002.

They won six more games (13) than in 2001, which tied for fourth in Div. III for most improved. They went on a school record six-match winning streak and went nine matches in a row without a loss.

From an individual point-of-view, they had the second-leading scorer in the nation, Amy Gilfillan, who has graduated, tally 36 of the Falcons 63 goals.

So, wouldn't numbers like that concern McKuras? Not at all.

"We need our young girls to play like experienced veterans which is entirely possible," he said. "We have very talented girls and we just need to get them acquainted to the league and continue the tradition we started."

One Falcon returnee who is very experienced will be senior goalkeeper Apryl Jennrich. The Lino Lakes, Minn., native was All-WIAC last year and is starting her fourth year. She posted an 11-5-2 record last year and had a 1.42 goals against average.

"She's got the best perspective of the whole field," McKuras said. "She's an incredible shot stopper and organizer."

Some of the offensive leaders that are going to help replace Gilfillan will be midfielders Jenn De Martino, Molly McClanahan, Emily Rodgers and Gina Hawkins. Rodgers posted 18 points last year, while DeMartino had three goals and Hawkins tallied four points. Expected to get a lot of playing time up front will be newcomers Amy Jensen and Sarah Carlson, a transfer from UW-La Crosse.

Defensively, McKuras, who was named the 2002 WIAC Coach of the Year, will look to sophomore Jessie Olson for leadership.

"She brings a physical presence to the game," he said. "(Soccer) is more physical of a game than people perceive it to be. Once you get on the field, your perspective changes."

The Falcons will be looking to unseat traditional conference powers Eau Claire and Stevens Point, who handed River Falls three of their five losses in 2002.

"We have to be smarter than the other team," McKuras said. "We have to use our youth and enthusiasm."

However, RF does face a favorable schedule as 14 of their 19 matches are scheduled for home.

"We have a strong regular season schedule,"McKuras said. "We're looking to get the community and the University more involved."