LA CROSSE, Wisc. – A last-minute goal took a win off the table for the Carleton College women's soccer team, as the Knights had to settle for a 2-2 draw at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
 
The Knights (12-1-4 overall) entered the game at No. 19 in the NCAA Power Index (NPI) ranking formula, while both teams were regionally ranked by both the NCAA (Carleton No. 2, UW-La Crosse No. 7) and United Soccer Coaches (Carleton No. 2, UW-La Crosse No. 3). Both squads also received votes in the most recent United Soccer Coaches national top-25 poll.
 
Carleton is now 1-1-4 against regionally ranked opponents this season.
 
The Knights put together an end-to-end goal less than four minutes in. Following a goal kick, Carleton worked it to Kathryn Kresse, who played a splitting ball to Hadley Twichell, who in turn ran into the box and collided with a pair of defenders. The ball slipped away and for the second straight game Dylan Baker put herself in perfect position to pick up a loose ball and score the opener.
 
The Knights doubled the lead in the 12th minute, as Lauren Caldwell intercepted a wayward pass and played a quick one-two with Baker. The sophomore midfielder put the laces through a second-touch shot and curled into the top corner, her fifth goal of the season.
 
The Eagles (10-3-2) got on the board late in the opening half, as substitute Amaya Thesing dribbled down the wing, cut back inside the box, and looped home her shot.
 
Carleton bent but did not break for most of the second half, allowing 10 shots to the hosts but limiting those attempts to outside of the box. However, with just 30 seconds remaining, Eagles' winger Alexis McMahon swung a cross to the back post that evaded Carleton's defense and was hip-checked across the line by Emily Pikarski to salvage a draw for the home team.
 
The Knights put up five shots, all but one on frame. Carleton was out-shot for just the fifth time this year, as the Eagles took 24 shots, with seven on goal. Each of UW-La Crosse's setbacks this season have come against top-25 opponents.
 
Avery Trapp made five saves, one off her season high. Baker had a goal and an assist, continuing a four-game streak of a goal or assist for the junior.
 
Up Next for the Knights
Carleton travels back to the Badger State on Wednesday, Oct. 23 for another non-conference tilt, this one against the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Kickoff at Ramer Soccer Stadium is set for 3:00 P.M.