Carlson, Jensen, Peterson, Tvedt Named to All-WIAC Team

Nov. 8, 2005

Falcon soccer players Sarah Carlson (Sr., Plymouth, Minn. Armstrong HS), Amy Jensen (Jr., Plymouth, Minn. Jefferson HS), Ashley Peterson (Jr., Lino Lakes, Minn. Forest Lake HS) and Hannah Tvedt (So., Byron, Minn.) have all been named to the 2005 All-WIAC team.

Carlson is a forward, Jensen is a midfielder, Peterson a defender and Tvedt is a goalie.

Carlson has been named to the All-WIAC team for the third straight season. The WIAC Co-Player of the Year in 2003, Carlson led the 2005 Falcons in scoring with nine goals and 28 points. Her 10 assists led the team. She has been named the team's offensive Player of the Week three times (Sept. 12, Sept. 19, Oct. 3).

This is the second straight season that Jensen has been named to the All-WIAC team. Jensen finished the season second in scoring with 10 goals and 22 points. The 10 goals led the team. She was named the team's offensive Player of the Week on Oct. 17.

Peterson has been named to the All-WIAC team for three straight years. Peterson played most the season at defender, but was also moved to forward in certain situations. She finished the year with two assists. She was named the team's defensive Player of the Week three times (Sept. 26, Oct. 10, Oct. 24).

Tvedt earned All-WIAC honors for the first time in her career. She had an 11-4-3 record with a 0.63 goals against average and a .874 saves percentage. She had eight shutouts. She was named to the team's defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 12.

The Falcons advanced to the WIAC playoff semifinals and finished the year with a 12-4-3 overall record.

Go to the Falcon 2005 statistics homepage.

Go to the WIAC soccer web site.

Falcon forward Sarah Carlson (Sr., Plymouth, Minn. Armstrong HS) has won the two top individual awards given by the WIAC. She is the Player of the Year, for the second time in her three-year career at UW-River Falls, and the sport's Scholar-Athlete.

Carlson, 5-43 was named the league's Co-MVP after the 2003 season. The Falcons won the WIAC regular season championship in 2003.

Carlson led the Falcons and the WIAC in scoring in 2005. She scored nine goals and had 10 assists for 28 points. She scored three game winning goals against St. Scholastica, Superior and Stevens Point. She scored goals in seven games and added assists in seven games. She twice scored five points in a game - she scored twice and had one assist against St. Scholastica and she scored a goal and had three assists against Superior. She played and started in all 19 games.

In 58 career games she has scored 37 goals and 29 assists for 103 points. The Falcons have compiled a 41-13-4 record in her three seasons.

She has a 3.906 grade point average and is majoring in communicative disorders with a minor in early childhood. She has been named to the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll in 2002, 2003 and 2004. She's been named to the UW-RF Dean's List four times.

Carlson has been named to the All-WIAC team in 2003, 2004 and 2005. She was voted the team's Most Valuable Offensive Player in 2003 and 2004. She was one of the team's captains this fall. Carlson has been named the WIAC Player of the Week four times in her career; twice in 2003 and once in 2004 and 2005. She is a member of the National Student Speech-Language & Hearing Association.

The WIAC Scholar-Athlete Award is presented to the most outstanding senior from each conference sport during the year who exhibits the greatest combination of performance and achievement in academics, athletics and leadership.

Go to the Falcon 2005 statistics homepage.

Go to the WIAC soccer web site.

Falcons Lose in WIAC Playoff Semifinals

Nov. 4, 2005

The Falcons lost a 2-0 decision to UW-Eau Claire in the WIAC playoff semifinals held Friday afternoon in Eau Claire.

After a scoreless first half, UW-EC scored twice in the second half to get the win and advance to the finals which will be played Saturday at 1 p.m. Eau Claire will play the winner of the Stout-Oshkosh match.

Laura Satre scored the only goal UW-EC would need at 72:05. Emily Meisinger added a goal at 81:38. Eau Claire held a 23-8 advantage in shots, including a 14-3 advantage in the second half.

Falcon goalie Hannah Tvedt made a season high 13 saves in the match. She stopped six shots in the first half and seven in the second. Eau Claire goalies Liz Weirick and Allie Rivard each played a half and made one save each. Amy Jensen and Heather Morgan each had one shot on goal for the Falcons. Jensen had three total shots.

The Falcons end their season wtih a 12-4-3 overall record. The 12 wins ties the 2005 team with two other Falcon squads for third most wins in a season. The 2003 Falcons won 17 matches, the 2002 team won 13 and the 2004, 1999 and 1997 teams all won 12.

Falcons Defeat Stevens Point 1-0 in Double OT

Nov. 1, 2005

The Falcons defeated UW-Stevens Point 1-0 in double overtime on Tuesday afternoon in the first round of the WIAC Tournament. The Falcons ended a six year run of WIAC Tournament Championships for UW-SP. Stevens Point had won 22 straight games in the stretch.

Amy Piersak scored from 30 yards out on a rebound from a corner kick with 1:27 to play in the second overtime to give the Falcons the victory, their second victory in a row over Stevens Point, after losing to the Pointers in all 15 meetings prior to this season.

Stevens Point dominated regulation with 16 shots, while limiting the Falcons to four. Goalkeeper Hannah Tvedt finished regulation with four saves. Conference points leader Sarah Carlson left the game in the first half with an injury but was able to return for the Falcons.

In overtime the Falcons were able to turn the tide, finishing the two overtime periods with four shots and four corner kicks, while limiting the Pointers to two shots and zero corners.

The Falcons are now 12-3-3 on the season.

On Friday morning the Falcons travel to Eau Claire to face off against the conference regular season champion Blugolds. The Falcons were defeated by Eau Claire 1-0 on Oct. 4. The Falcons have reached the semifinals of the conference tournament for the fourth year in a row. The kickoff is set for 11 a.m. and will be followed by a matchup between UW-Oshkosh and UW-Stout at 2 p.m. also in Eau Claire.

Falcons Defeat UM-Morris, 3-1

Oct. 28, 2005

In the Falcons last game of the regular season, Julie Sperstad, Amy Jensen and Kim Saufl all scored to help lead the Falcons to a 3-1 victory over UM-Morris.

The Falcons took the lead early, when Sperstad scored an unassisted goal at 5:29. The score remained tied throughout the first half, despite the Falcons dominance in shots. The Falcons finished the first half with 16 shots, with nine being on goal. The Cougars finished with one first half shot.

The Falcons struck again at 53:32 when Amy Jensen scored her team leading tenth goal of the season on an assist from Sperstad. UM-Morris came back at 76:21 on a goal by Jennifer Haga, but the Falcons responded only two minutes later with a goal by Kim Saufl on an assist by Diana Hermes putting the game out of reach.

The second half was slightly balanced, with the Falcons taking 10 shots and limiting the Cougars to five.

Andrea Dudley made her first start of the season at Goalkeeper. She finished the game with four saves and collected her first win of the season.

The Falcons end the regular season with a record of 11-3-3 overall and 3-3-2 in conference play.

The Falcons next game is scheduled for Nov. 1 at Stevens Point in the first round of the WIAC Tournament. The game against Nebraska Wesleyan, scheduled for Oct. 30 was cancelled. Kickoff for the game against Stevens Point is scheduled for 2 p.m.

Falcons Tie Stout, 1-1

Oct. 25, 2005

The Falcon soccer team played UW-Stout to a 1-1 tie on Tuesday afternoon at Ramer Field in their last regular season conference game of the season.

The Falcons took the lead early at 29:31 in the first half, when Sarah Carlson picked up her tenth assist of the season after getting passed her defender in the corner and crossing the ball to Betsy Straub, who headed it in for her second goal of the season.

The Falcons outshot the Blue Devils in the first half, with seven shots to Stout's one. The first half ended with the Falcon's holding onto a 1-0 lead.

In the second half Michelle Lizotte scored at 55:23 on an assist from Hilary Smiskey to tie the game at 1-1.

The game remained tied through the end of regulation and after two ten minute overtime periods.

The Falcons finished the game with 14 shots and allowed eight. The Falcons had 18 fouls to Stouts 13.

The Falcons finished their conference season with a record of 3-3-2. Their overall record is 10-3-3. On Friday the Falcons head to UM-Morris to play in a non-conference match. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

Falcons Top St. Kate's, 4-1

Oct. 22, 2005

The Falcon soccer team scored two goals in each half and went on to a 4-1 win at St. Catherine on Saturday afternoon.

The Falcons led 2-0 at the half. Kelly Piersak scored the first Falcon goal at 17:34 - it was her sixth goal of the season. Amy Jensen scored what proved to be the game-winning goal at 41:42 off a corner kick. It was her ninth goal of the season. SC made it a 2-1 game at 60:53 when Jenna Litt scored. But seven minutes later the Falcons went ahead 3-1 when Sarah Carlson scored her ninth goal of the season with an assist to Betsy Straub. Dianna Hermes put the Falcons ahead 4-1 with just 36 seconds to play with her second goal of the season. Gina Hawkins picked up the assist.

Falcon goalie Hannah Tvedt had two saves to improve her record to 10-3-2. SC goalie Katie Knodel stopped seven shots. The Falcons outscore the Wildcats, 27-10. Carlson and Jensen led the Falcons with three shots each. The four goals snapped a stretch of four games when the Falcons did not score. They had an 0-2-2 record in that stretch.

The Falcons, now 10-3-2 overall and 3-3-1 in the WIAC, will play their final WIAC match of the season on Tuesday when they host UW-Stout at Ramer Field. Action starts at 3:30 p.m.

Falcons Tie at La Crosse, 0-0

Oct. 15, 2005

The Falcons played to a 0-0 tie in two overtimes at La Crosse on Saturday afternoon.

This is the first tie in the all-time series between the two teams. UWL leads in the series, 10-4-1. This is the second time in the last three matches that the Falcons have finished in a 0-0 overtime tie. The Falcons played to a 0-0 tie at St. Benedict on Oct. 8.

Kelly Piersak, Amy Jensen and Amy Piersak all had four shots. The Falcons had five shots on goal - one each by Jensen, Julie Sperstad, Amy Piersak, Tracy Olson and Maranda Simonet. Falcon goalie Hannah Tvedt had five saves and recorded her sixth shutout of the season and ninth of her Falcon two-year career.

The Falcons, now 9-3-2 overall and 3-3-1 in the WIAC, will play at St. Catherine next Saturday with action starting at 1 p.m.

Falcons Fall to Platteville, 1-0

Oct. 8, 2005

The Falcons lost to Platteville Friday afternoon 1-0.

Lindsay Kowaleski scored on a Direct kick from 36 yards out in the 88th minute to give the Pioneers the victory.

The Falcons finished with 20 shots and 16 were on goal, while limiting Platteville to eight shots. Kelly Piersak led the Falcons with four shots on goal. The win was the first ever for Platteville against the Falcons.

The Falcons, now 9-3-1 overall, will next play a WIAC match at La Crosse on Saturday with action starting at 4 p.m. The Falcons are 3-3-0 in WIAC play.

Falcons Tie at St. Benedict, 0-0

Oct. 8, 2005

The Falcons played to a 0-0 tie in two overtimes at St. Benedict Saturday afternoon.

The Falcons finished with 18 shots and 13 were on goal. Kim Saufl led the Falcons wtih three shots on goal. Falcon goalie Hannah Tvedt made nine saves including two in each of the overtime periods. SB goalie Amanda Broadbent made 13 saves - she had nine saves in the first half, two in the first overtime and one in the second overtime.

The Falcons, now 9-2-1 overall, will next play a WIAC match at Platteville on Friday with action starting at 4 p.m. The Falcons are 3-2-0 in WIAC play.

Falcons Fall to Eau Claire 1-0 in OT

Oct. 4, 2005

The Falcons lost their second game of the season Tuesday afternoon, falling to Eau Claire 1-0 in overtime.

Emily Meisinger scored off of a corner kick from Marcia Foltz at 96:33 in overtime.

The game was very balanced with both teams having limited opportunities throughout. The Falcons had four first half shots, while limiting Eau Claire to two. In the second half the Falcons and the Blugolds each had three shots.

Amy Jensen and Ashley Peterson led the Falcons with two shots each.

Hannah Tvedt finished with three saves. The loss was only her second of the season.

The loss puts the Falcons at 9-2-0 and 3-2-0 in conference play. They travel to St. Benedict on Saturday afternoon. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.

Falcons Defeat Stevens Point, 2-1

Oct. 1, 2005

The Falcon's soccer team defeated visiting Stevens Point for the first time in school history, 2-1 Saturday afternoon at Ramer Field. The Falcons are now 9-1-0, the best start in school history for the Falcons.

Sarah Carlson scored the winning goal at 84:19 from about 40' away on the right hand side of the box. She placed the ball just over the outstretched arm of Pointers goalie Amanda Nechuta and into the upper left corner of the goal. The goals are Carlson's 8th and 9th goals of the season. The Falcons were able to hold off Stevens Point for the last five minutes to secure victory.

At 33:16 in the first half Carlson scored the first goal of the game to give the Falcons an early 1-0 lead. Carlson headed the ball in after Betsy Straub sent in a corner that was originally headed by Kim Saufl. Straub and Saufl were credited with assists.

The Pointers answered back at 42:31 when Gwen Blasczyk nailed a shot in the upper right corner of the goal from about 25' out.

The Falcons and the Pointers each ended up with 14 shots on the game. The Falcons faired better in the second half, finishing with 11 shots while holding Stevens Point to seven second half shots. Carlson's goal was her second game winner of the season.

Goalkeeper Hannah Tvedt finished the game with four saves and collected her 9th win of the season. It was Nechuta's first collegiate start at goalkeeper. Nechuta was named 1st Team All-American in Division III for basketball last season.

The Falcons are now 3-1-0 in conference and are one point behind Oshkosh for the conference lead. The Falcons travel to Eau Claire on Tuesday to face off against the Blugolds. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.

Falcons Ease Past Superior, 7-0

Sept. 27, 2005

The Falcons soccer team defeated the Superior Yellowjackets 7-0 Tuesday afternoon in Superior, Wi.

Amy Jensen scored four goals and assisted on another, Sarah Carlson scored two goals and assisted on three others and Kelly Piersak scored a goal and also had three assists leading the Falcons past Superior.

The Falcons scored four goals and the first half and three in the second in defeating the Yellowjackets. Hannah Tvedt didnt have to make any saves, but finished with her fifth shutout of the season.

The Falcons host Stevens Point on Saturday at Ramer Field in a game with heavy conference implications. The kickoff is set for 2 p.m.

Falcons Defeat St. Thomas 1-0 in Double OT

Sept. 23, 2005

The Falcons soccer team defeated the visiting St. Thomas Tommies 1-0 on Friday afternoon at Ramer Field.

Miranda Simonet scored her first career goal at 105:00 in double overtime to lift the Falcons over St. Thomas. Simonet put in a rebound off of a shot from Sarah Carlson in the upper left corner of the net. The Falcons improved their season record to 7-1-0.

The Falcons were outshot by St. Thomas in regulation time, taking 11 shots while allowing 16. In the two overtime sessions the Falcons outshot the Tommies eight to one. The Falcons had a chance to win in the first overtime, when Kim Saufl's shot was deflected off the cross bar by the Tommies goalkeeper. Amy Jensen headed the deflection off the post and the ball was cleared.

Falcon goalkeeper Hannah Tvedt finished the game with seven saves and earned her fourth shutout of the season.

The Falcons travel to Superior on Tuesday to face off against the Yellowjackets. The game is set to kick-off at 4 p.m.

Falcons Defeat Luther, 4-0

Sept. 21, 2005

The Falcons soccer team defeated Luther College 4-0 on Wednesday afternoon at Ramer Field.

Freshman Diana Hermes scored a goal and assisted on another to help lead the Falcons passed the Norse of Luther College. Hermes scored the first goal of the game at 44:05 in the first half off a rebound of her own shot to give the Falcons a 1-0 lead at the half. Only minutes into the second half Midfielder Kim Saufl one-touched a corner kick from Julie Shuldheisz into the corner to give the Falcons a 2-0 lead. The Falcons scored again at 67:03 when Hermes found Sarah Carlson at the top of the box, Carlson used a couple touches to get passed a defender and nailed it right by the goalie to give the Falcons a 3-0 lead. At 83:46 Amy Jensen shot in a rebound from 35 feet to give the Falcons the 4-0 victory.

The Falcons finished with 25 shots, while limiting the Norse to 16. Hannah Tvedt finished with her third shutout of the season, saving five shots.

The Falcons improved to 6-1-0 and host St. Thomas on Friday afternoon at Ramer Field. The game is set to kick off at 3:30 p.m.

Falcons Defeat Whitewater, 2-1

Sept. 17, 2005

The Falcons soccer team defeated the Warhawks of Whitewater 2-1 Saturday afternoon at Ramer Field.

Julie Sperstad scored her first goal of the season at the most opportune time, giving the Falcons their first conference win. Sperstad placed a shot just past the outstreched arms of Whitewater keeper Aimee Kitson and in to the left corner of the goal at 88:33 in the second half to give the Falcons the win. The goal was assisted by Sarah Carlson.

In the first half both teams were held scoreless. The opportunies were available for each team, but neither were able to capitalize.

In the second half the Falcons came out energized and focusued. The falcons dominated posession and finished with 18 second half shots while limiting Whitewater to three. Amy Jensen scored the first goal of the game at 69:56 with assists from Carlson and fresman Kelly Piersak. The Warhawks came back at 79:20 and took advantage of one of very few second half opportunities to tie the game 1-1, on a goal from sophomore Maggie Mitchell.

Falcon keeper Hannah Tvedt finished with one save and collected her fifth win of the season.

On Wednesday the Falcons host non-conference opponent Luther College at Ramer Field. The game is scheduled to kick off at 4 p.m.

Falcons Fall to Oshkosh, 3-2

Sept. 16, 2005

The Falcons Soccer team opened up conference play on Friday afternoon with a disappointing 3-2 loss to the Titans of UW-Oshkosh at Ramer Field.

The Falcons started with a flourish, scoring two goals in the first six minutes of play. Junior Kim Saufl tapped in the first goal on a free kick cross from junior Ashley Peterson at 1:35 in the first half. Only four minutes later Sarah Carlson scored her fourth goal of the season heading in a corner kick from Peterson to give the Falcons an early 2-0 lead. The assists were Petersons first two points of the season. The Falcons continued to control posession for the early part of the first half, but gained a false sense of security and began to lose energy as the half wore on. At 37:39 Oshkosh forward Melodie Romanowich tipped in a cross past Falcon keeper Hannah Tvedt to bring the score to 2-1. The Falcons finished the first half with 11 shots and Oshkosh had ten.

In the second half the Falcons had chances, but Oshkosh remained in control, despite the early deficit. The Titans tied the game at 64:12 when junior Amy U'Ren scored on a cross from Amanda Matzke. Oshkosh finished their comeback 11 minutes later when senior Stacy Stroud headed in a cross from Katy Werginz, giving the Titans a 3-2 lead. The regained energy in the last 15 minutes but were unable to tie the game.

The Titans ended the game with 18 shots, while the Falcons finished with 14. Hannah Tvedt had eight saves. The Falcons, now 4-0-1, 0-1-0 host the Warhawks of UW-Whitewater on Saturday afternoon. The game kicks off at 4 p.m.

Falcons Ease Past St. Scholastica, 5-0

Sept. 11, 2005

The Falcons soccer team defeated St. Scholastica 5-0 Sunday afternoon in an impressive fashion. Sarah Carlson scored at 14:01 in the first half on a cross from midfielder Amy Jensen and than once again at 19:32 on a rebound off of a shot from Julie Sperstad that had hit the cross bar. The two goals were Carlson's second and third of the season. The Falcons entered the second half with a 2-0 lead.

Only moments into the second half Jensen scored on a free kick to give the Falcons a 3-0 lead, it was her second goal of the season. At 72:10 freshman Kelly Piersak scored her third goal of the season off a corner kick that was assisted by Calson. As the second half wound down the Falcons sent in their bench without losing any success. At 83:11 freshman Betsy Straub scored her first career goal on an assist from Jen Pengra, giving the Falcons their final goal of the game. The Falcons finished with 29 shots on goal and limited St. Scholastica to only eight. Goalkeeper Hannah Tvedt had two saves and finished with her third shutout of the season.

The Falcons start WIAC play on Friday, hosting Oshkosh. In their last meeting, the Falcons tied Oshkosh 1-1. The game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. at Ramer Field.

Falcons Sneak Past St. Olaf, 1-0

Sept. 7, 2005

The Falcons soccer team continued their hot start with a 1-0 win over St. Olaf on Wednesday at Ramer Field.

In the first half the Falcons and the Oles each had opportunities to score but were unable to put the ball in the net. River Falls finished the first half with nine shots and St. Olaf had seven.

The second half was balanced as well, but River Falls was able to put on a bit more pressure than they had in the first. The Falcons finished with ten shots, including five on goal, while the Oles had only six shots, putting one on goal. At 64:35 in the second half Freshman Kelly Piersak scored on assists from Sarah Carlson and Gina Hawkins giving the Falcons the 1-0 lead and ultimately the win. It was Piersak's second goal of the season. The assist was Carlson's third of the season, leading the team. It was Hawkins first assist of the year. Shortly after the goal, St. Olaf put on a short fury of shots including two that hit the cross bar and came out. The Falcons were than able to hold on for the last twenty minutes to secure the victory.

On Sunday the Falcons play host to St. Scholastica, with the kickoff set for noon.

Falcons Top Bethel, 4-0

Sept. 3, 2005

The Falcon soccer team scored four first-half goals in a 4-0 win over Bethel on Saturday afternoon at Ramer Field.

Four Falcons scored goals in the contest that was played in rain during the second half. Amy Piersak opened the scoring with her first goal of the season at 8:57. She scored from about 30 yards out. Amy Jensen gave the Falcons a 2-0 lead at 18:39 when she scored from 30 feet out on a shot with her left foot. It was her first goal of the season. Sarah Carlson scored the third RF goal at 20:16. She scored from 20 feet away from the left side. She received pass from Kelly Piersak who picked up the assist on the play. It was Carleson's first goal of the year. Kim Saufl scored the fourth goal of the game, and her second of the year, at 34:43. She scored from 25 feet out and was assisted by Carlson.

Hannah Tvedt started in goal and made two saves to get the win. Andrea Dudley played the last 20 minutes and made one save to help preserve the shutout. The Falcons had 17 shots in the game. Bethel finished with 10 shots.

The Falcons, 2-0-0 overall, will host St. Olaf at 4 p.m. on Wednesday. The contest will be played at Ramer Field.

Falcons Open Season With 2-1 Win

Sept. 1, 2005

The Falcon soccer team opened the 2005 season with a 2-1 come from behind win over Carleton on Thursday afternoon at Ramer Field.

Carleton took a 1-0 lead at 28:34 when Melley Turner scored the first goal of the game on a breakaway.

The Falcons tied the game when Kelly Piersak scored her first collegiate goal in her first game. She scored from 30 feet in front to tie the game, 1-1, at 46:22. Kim Saufl, also playing in her first game in a Falcon uniform, scored the game-winner at 72:42. She headed home a cross by Sarah Carlson to give the Falcons a 2-1 lead.

Hannah Tvedt made five saves to get the win. The Falcons had 11 shots and Carleton nine.

The Falcons, 1-0-0 overall, will host Bethel at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Ramer Field.