The UW-Whitewater men’s soccer team was all gas, no brakes this week, playing four matches in just four days. Despite the demanding schedule, the Warhawks never lost their stride, winning all four games to continue one of their most impressive stretches of the season.
“I think it gives our team a lot of good energy and good momentum going into the next couple of games because everyone’s in a good state right now and everyone’s enjoying it,” senior forward and team scoring leader Cooper Re said.
Whitewater opened the week on the road at the University of Dubuque, where Re wasted no time making his mark. The senior scored three goals in the first 10 minutes — the 15th-fastest hat trick in NCAA history — with his second and third goals coming just 15 seconds apart, and the hat trick only taking four minutes and 15 seconds.
The Warhawks controlled the pace from start to finish, cruising to a 5-1 victory. Sophomore forward Luka Breslin and junior forward Owen Winegar added goals to complete the dominant outing. The win set the tone for the rest of the week, establishing the Warhawks as a team capable of overwhelming opponents early and maintaining control throughout.
The Warhawks returned home the next day to face UW-River Falls, sticking with the fast, attacking mindset that has become their identity. Junior forward Hayden Saul struck first in the 10th minute, followed by a goal from freshman midfielder Tyler Chrisman to make it 2-0 at halftime. After the break, Re added two more goals just three minutes apart, and Saul buried the final goal in the 67th minute to secure a 5-0 shutout. The performance was a clinic in offensive efficiency, with the Warhawks recording 12 shots on goal and maintaining over 65 percent of possession.
“We’ve really gotten into the habit of scoring, and then scoring again or getting a big chance directly after, and killing the game early,” junior defender Matt White said.
The Warhawks faced their toughest challenge of the week next, hosting No. 6 ranked Lake Forest College in a top-10 showdown at Robert Fiskum Field. Whitewater fell behind early, conceding a goal in the 24th minute. But the Warhawks responded with composure and confidence, refusing to let the deficit shake their focus. Junior midfielder Mason Diercks tied the game early in the second half, and with just two minutes later, Re delivered the go-ahead goal to lift Whitewater to a 2-1 win.
“It was good to show that we have a lot of resilience,” Re said. “You could even see it at halftime – the energy was positive and everyone was in good spirits. We knew we were going to find a way.”
White agreed, saying that “I don’t think there was ever a doubt we were going to win that game. I think it proved to us and to everyone that we are one of the best teams in the country.”
Whitewater wrapped up its whirlwind week with a dominant 5-2 victory over Millikin University. The Warhawks exploded for three goals in the first 15 minutes, with tallies from White, sophomore forward James Kiraly and senior defender Zeke Healy. After pulling most of the starters in the 20th minute, the bench kept up the pressure.
With that win over Millikin, head coach Tony Guinn became the winningest coach in UW-Whitewater men’s soccer history, securing his 165 win at the front man for the Warhawks.
Freshman midfielder Liam Smeer and freshman forward Franklin Kunfira each added a goal to seal the win. The lopsided result not only gave the starters valuable rest but also allowed the younger players to gain meaningful experience in high-intensity minutes.
“I think not only physically but mentally it helps us,” White said. “It’s a good feeling to come out of games early with such big wins. Not many teams can do what we just did.”
The Warhawks ended the week a perfect 4-0, outscoring their opponents 17-4, and carrying major momentum into the final stretch of their schedule, which includes a key conference matchup against UW-Eau Claire. The team’s attack has been red-hot, averaging more than four goals per game during their winning streak, while the defense has held opponents to under one goal per match.
The Warhawks now turn their attention to the postseason, where they hope to carry their current form into the WIAC tournament and beyond. With several statement wins and one of the deepest rosters in the region, the team is making a strong case for national recognition.
“It’s always a good game with Eau Claire,” Re said. “They’re a quality side, but we’re in a good spot right now. If you see us on your schedule, it’s not something you’re going to look forward to.”
In just four days, UW-Whitewater proved it’s a force to be reckoned with, not only in the WIAC, but across the nation. With record-breaking performances, depth across the roster, and a relentless mentality, the Warhawks have made it clear: they’re here to stay.
