SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Yellowjacket men's soccer team, as they've done for quite a while, have continued to power through the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) competition, and Wednesday's match was no different. Coming into Wednesday the Yellowjackets have only allowed five goals in 11 matches against UMAC teams, courtesy of a dominant backline and strong goalkeeping. The same narrative was true against North Central, leading the Yellowjackets to a 6-0 victory over the Rams.
 
As inclement weather carried over from the Yellowjacket women's soccer match, this called for an adjusted starting lineup from head coach Joe Mooney. For the duration of the evening, Mooney consistently turned to his bench and provided fresh legs whenever possible, allowing for a consistent and balanced attack.
 
Despite the intensified weather, it would only take UW-Superior 19 seconds to strike, as sophomore Joel Thomas (Cardiff, Wales/Islwyn) snuck a shot past Rams goalkeeper Jerad Buse to give the 'Jackets a swift 1-0 lead. Teammates Alfie Hudd (Exeter, England/Exeter College) and Mackie Ringrose (Ewhurst, England/St. Peter's Catholic School) each picked up an assist.
 
The Yellowjacket offensive attack was strong Wednesday, as various players kept Buse on his toes throughout the match. After over 30 minutes of play UWS finally struck again, this time courtesy of a Phillip Eriksen (Skjetten, Norway/Lorenskog) shot from Freddy Watson (Wendover, England/Berkshire College of Agriculture) for a 2-0 lead over the Rams.
 
Tensions began to rise throughout the second half, as a combined seven yellow cards were issued throughout its duration. Early on, the Rams would commit an own goal which gave the Yellowjackets a lead of 3-0. Just two minutes later at the 61st minute, Ringrose fired a shot from a Josh Bellamy (High Wycombe, England/FAB Football Academy) touch, giving UWS a four-goal lead over North Central.
 
Eriksen would fire a shot that found the back of the net at the 68th minute, which was his third on the season and 33rd of his career, extending the 'Jackets' lead to 5-0. UWS would run into more scoring opportunities but were unable to capitalize until the 84th minute, courtesy of an unassisted goal from Gavin Watkinson (Lakeville, Minn./Farmington Area) to secure a 6-0 victory.
 
The Yellowjackets outshot the Rams 34-8 on total shots, as well as on shots on frame 16-5. Junior goalkeeper Alex Paredes (Mequon, Wis./Homestead) put together a strong performance, picking up another clean sheet with five saves.
 
Eriksen led the charge, scoring two goals off five shots. Watkinson rifled four shots and picked up his third goal on the campaign, while Ringrose, Isaac Becket (Surrey, England/The Sixth Form College Farnborough) and Jake Kidd (Superior, Wis./Superior Senior) each had three shots.
 
The Yellowjackets are back in action Saturday Oct. 21 to face Martin Luther, with a kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. at MLC Soccer Field.