The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s soccer team continues to prove itself as one of the hottest programs in Division III. The Warhawks have not lost a match since Oct. 1, when they fell 2-1 to Loras College. Since then, they have gone 8-0-1, with their only non-win a tie against conference rival UW-Eau Claire.
Whitewater carried that momentum into its final regular season game and senior night at Robert Fiskum Field, with an undefeated conference record on the line. The only obstacle standing between the Warhawks and that achievement was UW-Platteville.
The Warhawks’ attack has been among the best in the country, outscoring opponents 27-5 since their last loss. Despite that offensive dominance, it was Platteville that struck first when senior forward Brock Jurinek scored in the 17th minute to give the Pioneers a 1-0 lead.
The rest of the first half became a defensive battle. Both teams created limited scoring chances, as each back line stood firm and kept opposing attacks under control. Whitewater entered halftime down by a goal, but this season, the team has shown the ability to remain composed under pressure.
Just eight minutes into the second half, senior forward Cooper Re tied the match at 1-1, firing a shot past the Platteville goalkeeper in the 53rd minute. The goal gave the Warhawks new life and shifted the momentum in their favor.
Head coach Tony Guinn said that Whitewater’s second-half performance reflected the team’s identity and commitment to staying aggressive.
“Yes, we’re going to keep the same game plan. Hard work wins games,” Guinn said.
The Warhawks continued to push forward, applying pressure throughout the half. Their persistence finally paid off late in the match. In the 83rd minute, sophomore defender Luka Breslin capitalized on a loose ball near the net and scored to give Whitewater a 2-1 lead.
After taking the lead, the Warhawks tightened up defensively and held off Platteville’s late offensive efforts to secure the win. Whitewater finished the game with 12 total shots, including 10 in the second half. The strong finish showed how well the team adjusted after halftime.
Guinn credited the entire roster for the Warhawks’ consistent success throughout the season.
“I think all of the players have contributed to the success of the team, all of the players,” Guinn said. “It doesn’t matter if they start or if they don’t play. The whole team is the most important, and I’m proud of all of them.”
With the victory, UW-W completed conference play with a 4-0-1 record and secured the top seed heading into the WIAC tournament. The team’s strong regular season has positioned it as one of the top contenders in Division III men’s soccer.
Whitewater will host a WIAC tournament semifinal Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. Re, who ranks among the nation’s top 25 goal scorers with 14 this season, leads a balanced and dangerous offensive group that has proven capable of producing goals from every position.
When asked about the team’s mindset heading into the postseason, Guinn emphasized focus and humility.
“Stay humble and just put your head down to work,” Guinn said.
