Early-season injuries plague Falcons

With a disappointing 2-0 loss against UW-Eau Claire in the WIAC playoff semifinals fresh in their minds, the UW-River Falls women's soccer team is looking for a little redemption this season.

However, early injuries have plagued the Falcons who are currently sitting on a 3-1-2 record. Three women are currently waiting on knee surgeries and one is going to undergo hand surgery.

Junior Amy Piersak has watched her team play from the sidelines while waiting for surgery to reconstruct her ACL. Her surgery is set for Oct. 6 and she will also have her torn meniscus repaired.

"I don't think it's too bad," Piersak said. "We're up there every practice and every game. We're still a part of the team."

"That helps everybody to know we're there to support the team."

Even though they are still a part of the team, it's difficult having so many women on the sideline.

"It's hard just because there are so many people hurt," junior Julie Sperstad said. "Hopefully everything works out and they'll be able to play."

Three senior captains help lead the Falcons. Two of the women have been on the team since they were freshman, and one just joined the team as a junior.

"Everybody pushes each other," Piersak said of her teammates. "They do that very well."

On Wednesday, the Falcons beat UW-Superior 4-1.

On Saturday, the Falcons won their first conference game 2-1 against UW-Whitewater on the road. All three goals were scored in the first half and Kim Saufl scored the game winning goal.

Prior to Saturday, the Falcons tied 0-0 against Augsburg and lost 2-0 to Macalester.
The Falcons first win of the season came against Northland College, when Saufl scored three goals, leading the Falcons to a 7-0 victory.

River Falls opened up their season on the road at St. Scholastica and tied the Saints 0-0.

"I don't think we're where we want to be," Sperstad said. "I don't think we've reached our full potential."

This season, there is a mix of new and veteran players on the field for the Falcons. So far it hasn't been hard to adjust.

"It's good that we have a lot of new people," Sperstad said. "There are a lot of people to get used to the program."

The Falcons host St. Catherine's on Saturday at 1 p.m.