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| The Pioneers celebrate with the Eberlein Trophy |
Posted 9/15/07
UW-Platteville's Enzo Fuschino is only in his first year as the men's soccer coach, but it didn't take him long to learn his Pioneer history.
The Pioneers beat UW-Oshkosh 2-1 Saturday night, beating the Titans for the first time since 1987 and ending an 18-game losing streak to UWO.
"It's a great feeling, and I don't think it has sunk in yet," Fuschino said. "It was fun to see the joy in everyone's faces."
For the first time, the Pioneers claimed the Eberlein Trophy, given to the winner of this series. The trophy began in 1998 in honor of UWP Coach Fred Eberlein, who retired after 25 years as the Pioneer Coach. Saturday marked the first time the Pioneers were able to hold high the trophy (although Eberlein was unable to be at the game because of a family commitment.)
"A lot of hard work finally paid off," said senior captain Jason Vockrodt. "It feels good."
Brian Gottschlich put the Pioneers on the board first, scoring after a long assist from Tyler Holle at the 16:24 mark. The score remained that way until the previously undefeated Titans scored on a Clayton Ramson goal at 58:20.
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| Devin Wallace celebrates with Andrew Hanson |
"The guys showed a lot of character after Oshkosh tied the game," Fuschino said. "We just got right back after them. I'm not surprised because the team has been working really hard."
Just seven minutes later, Eric Christensen then blasted a loose ball through the nets for a 2-1 lead, which the defense and goalkeeper Kris Bosshart made stand and touch off a wild celebration at Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium.
"Even after they got the goal, we never gave up and got that one back," Vockrodt said.
The surging Pioneers improved to 4-2 and will look to keep hot Wednesday at Madison Edgewood.
"We need to keep the momentum going and make sure this continues," Fuschino said. "They showed they can play with anybody."
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