Box Score La Crosse, Wis. - The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse soccer team improved to 5-0 at home with a 1-0 victory over UW-Platteville Wednesday night at Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex.  The Eagles, ranked 24th on this week's National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Top-25 Poll, improve to 9-2 overall and 2-0 in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference while the Pioneers drop to 4-7 overall and 0-2 in the conference. 

After a scoreless first half which saw UWL outshoot UW-Platteville, 21-2, the Eagles got on the board as Haley Hartkemeyer scored her fourth goal of the season at 52:02.  It was her second game-winning goal of the season. 

"Haley Hartkemeyer had a very good day with a goal, dangerous movement, and good combination play," said UWL head coach Jason Murphy.  "Haley is just starting to get rolling as she has been good in every phase of the game.  We know the goals will start coming in bunches for her and I am really excited for her." 

UWL finished with 38 shots in the game, including 15 on goal. Margaret Harings finished with 11 shots with two on goal while Hartkemeyer totaled eight shots, including game-high four on goal. Natalie Herzog, Maya Schmitt and Maddie Granos each had four shots with Herzog recording three on goal. 

"Maddie Granos came off the bench and played very well," added Murphy.  "Her target play and possession was again impressive.  She has really been playing well lately.  Margaret Harings really got into the game, late in the first half and in the second half.  We felt like she just ran out of time as her goal was coming . She hit the bar with a great effort in the second half."

UW-Platteville was held to seven shots, including two on goal.

The Eagles' Abbi Burke earned her first career win Wednesday, recording two saves in goal.  She was also making her first career start for UWL.  Alyssa Sickler took the loss for UW-Platteville, falling to 0-3 on the season.  She finished with 14 saves. 

"It feels great to be 2-0 in the WIAC and credit to our players who worked hard today to break down a very organized UW-Platteville team," said Murphy.  "Our creativity and possession was very good as we were able to create some very good chances.  Our team defending was very good as we were able to limit their chances throughout most of the match."

UWL now leads the all-time series, 23-3-1, with UW-Platteville. The Eagles earned their fifth win in the last six meetings with the Pioneers.

UWL earned its seventh shutout of the season Wednesday, including fourth straight.  The Eagles have allowed five goals in 11 games this season (0.46 goals against average).  UWL's seven shutouts are tied for seventh in single-season school history.  The Eagles had a school record 10 shutouts in 1995 and 2011. 

UWL returns to action Saturday, October 8 at UW-River Falls at 4 p.m.