WAUKESHA, Wis. – The Carroll University women's soccer team opened the 2026 season Tuesday afternoon with a hard-fought 1-0 setback against a strong University of Wisconsin-La Crosse squad at Schneider Stadium. The Eagles entered the season receiving votes in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll and showed why, edging the Pioneers in a tightly contested non-conference matchup.
Carroll's defense and goalkeeper Ava Lewandowski kept the game scoreless through the opening 64 minutes despite sustained pressure from the Eagles. Wisconsin-La Crosse outshot the Pioneers 23-1 and held a 61-39 advantage in possession, but Lewandowski turned in an impressive performance with nine saves to keep Carroll within striking distance throughout the afternoon.
The Eagles generated several quality opportunities in the first half, recording 10 shots and four shots on goal, but Lewandowski answered each challenge as the teams headed to halftime deadlocked at 0-0.
Wisconsin-La Crosse finally broke through in the 65th minute when Sydney Nash finished a chance off assists from Grace Williams and Kate Heiderscheit, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Carroll continued to battle and nearly found the equalizer late in the match. The Pioneers recorded their lone shot of the day in the 86th minute when Naomy Gonzalez put an attempt on frame, but Eagles goalkeeper Summer Nicolai made the save to preserve the shutout.
Lewandowski finished with nine saves in goal for Carroll, while Nicolai earned the clean sheet with one stop for the Eagles. Wisconsin-La Crosse held advantages in shots (23-1) and corner kicks (4-1) en route to the victory.
The Pioneers will look to bounce back as they continue non-conference play this Friday at 7pm as they travel to Dubuque.
