On Sunday, November 17th, the University of Wisconsin-Superior (UWS) men’s soccer team won their NCAA Division III second-round playoff matchup against St. Olaf. Now, the Yellowjackets prepare to kick off in their program’s first-ever Sweet Sixteen game.

“It’s one of those things where like looking back on it, it doesn’t feel real. I couldn’t really tell you what happened in the game, but it just worked in our favor. It was awesome to see a lot of guys step up, and guys that have been role players for the season playing their roles. It was one of those games where it’s like some nights you need a hero,” Zach Tiemeyer said, a UWS senior defender.

This Sweet Sixteen berth is thanks to an epic performance last Sunday. The Yellowjackets tied St. Olaf 2-2 in regulation, then won in penalty kicks 4-2.

“I think it’s the most relaxed I’ve ever been in a penalty shootout. I think it’s also some of the highest stakes this time around,” said head coach Joe Mooney.

Felipe Oliveira scored in both regulation and the shootout for UWS, while keeper Alex Paredes was a brick wall in net making two PK saves.

“As soon as we got to PKs, I went to the boys and I was like, you know, that’s something we got to actually enjoy rather than be nervous because it’s something we’re going to remember for the rest of our lives. And it turned out it went positively,” said Olivera, a senior midfielder.

“You’re putting your body on the line, everybody’s putting their body on the line, because we just love each other and we’re playing for UWS. And we’re playing for our families back home, wherever that is. We have a bunch of guys overseas that come here and play because they love the sport, and they’re trying to make their parents proud, they’re trying to make themselves proud, and overall just make this the best team that UWS has ever produced,” said Paredes, a senior goalie.

UWS (18-3-3) will take on No. 8 Amherst (12-2-4) on Saturday, November 23rd in Eau Claire at 1PM at Simpson Field. Amherst finished as NCAA DIII runners-up last season, falling to St. Olaf 2-1 in OT in the national championship game.

Click here to view the UWS men’s soccer season schedule.