After an inconsistent non-conference slate to start the season, the Platteville/Lancaster boys soccer team is off to a 2–0–1 start in Southwest Wisconsin Conference play.

Junior midfielder JB Justal scored the only goal in the 57th minute to lift Platteville/Lancaster to a 1–0 SWC victory over visiting Richland Center last Thursday.

Senior Michael Prestegard made five saves to record the shutout as the Hillmen improved to 2–0–1 in the SWC and 4–6–2 overall.

According to coach Brandon Pink, the Platteville/Lancaster co-op showed its depth and flexibility as illness and a rash of injuries forced his club to adapt and find contributors off the bench.

Earlier in the week, the Hillmen played host River Valley to a 1–1 draw Tuesday in Spring Green.

Despite a strong first half from the Hillmen with multiple scoring chances, both teams went into halftime tied at 0–0. River Valley freshman Josh Kerr opened the scoring in the 53rd minute after the Hillmen failed to clear a dangerous situation. 

A position switch for junior defender Ben Trewin reignited the Hillmen attack. Trewin lead the way as center forward as the Hillmen outshot the hosts 11–0 in the second half. 

Platteville/Lancaster’s relentless attack finally broke through in the 76th minutes when Trewin scored the equalizer on a corner kick to cap a fine individual performance.

The Hillmen opened conference play with a dominating 4–0 victory over visiting Prairie du Chien on Tuesday, Sept. 12, but then lost a 3–1 non-conference decision at Sugar River two days later on Thursday, Sept. 14 to fall to 2–6–1 in non-conference play.

The Hillmen (4–6–2, 2–0–1) traveled to fellow SWC-leader Dodgeville/Mineral Point Tuesday and will now travel to Prairie du Chien Thursday to begin the second round of conference play. This year the Platteville co-op will only play each conference foe twice.

Platteville/Lancaster 4, Prairie du Chien 0

(from Tuesday, Sept. 12 @ Platteville)

Prairie du Chien 0   0 —   0

Platteville/Lancaster 3 1 —   4

First half — P/L: n/a.

Second half — P/L: n/a. 

Saves — P/L: Michael Prestegard n/a. PdC: n/a. Shots on Goal — P/L: n/a; PdC: n/a. 

Sugar River 3, Platteville/Lancaster  1

(from Thursday, Sept. 14 @ Belleville)

Platteville/Lancaster 0   1 —   1

Sugar River 2   1 —   3

First half — SR: Jaden Kreklow (Brock Kelly) 33:00, Kelly (Webber) 45:00. 

Second half — P/L: 47:00. SR: Kreklow (Jack Gentili) 70:00. 

Saves — P/L: Michael Prestegard 12. SR: Tyler Boeck 4. Shots on Goal — P/L: 5; SR: 15. Corner kicks: P/L: n/a, SR: n/a.  

Platteville/Lancaster  1, River Valley 1

(from Tuesday, Sept. 19 @ Spring Green)

Platteville/Lancaster 0   1 —   1

River Valley 0   1 —   1

First half — none. 

Second half — RV: Josh Kerr 43:00. P/L: Ben Trewin 76:00. 

Saves — P/L: Michael Prestegard n/a. RV: n/a. Shots on Goal — P/L: n/a. RV: n/a. 

Platteville/Lancaster  1, Richland Center 0

(from Thursday, Sept. 21 @ Platteville)

Richland Center 0   0 —   0

Platteville/Lancaster 0   1 —   1

First half — none. 

Second half — P/L: JB Justal 57:00. 

Saves — P/L: Michael Prestegard n/a. RC: n/a. Shots on Goal — P/L: n/a. RC: n/a.