Sept. 15, 2002

Box Score

MILWAUKEE - University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's soccer coach Michael Moynihan knew his team's solid defense would keep them in a lot of games. However, what the seventh-year mentor didn't bank on was the inability of his 2002 squad to get positive results thanks in large part to major struggles finding the back of the net. Those offensive struggles continued again Sunday (Sept. 15) as UWM dropped a 1-0 decision to the University of Rhode Island in a non-conference match at Engelmann Field. With the win, URI improved to 3-1-1 on the year while the frustrated Panthers fell to 1-4-1.

"It is getting frustrating but I think the quality of our chances improved today and we attacked quite a bit from the beginning," Moynihan said. "However, we still haven't been able to finish and convert the chances we get. We had Rhode Island on their heels all day but we gave up one opportunity and they capitalized on it. That's been the story of the season so far."

UWM came out very aggressive in the early going, pressuring the Ram defense and creating numerous chances. Meanwhile, Rhode Island produced a nice counterattack to build a few scoring opportunities of their own. Panther goalkeeper Mary Duffy stopped five URI shots in the first half while the UWM offense produced eight shots in the first 45 minutes.

The two teams appeared to be headed to halftime in a scoreless tie before the Rams scored the games only goal on a quick counterattack. With 43:23 gone in the first stanza, URI's Heather Kasparek caught the UWM defense in transition and passed a ball forward to teammate Trisha Hewitt. Hewitt, who wreaked havoc on the Panthers all game, lifted a shot over UWM's Duffy and into the net as the goalkeeper came out to of the box in an attempt to thwart the scoring chance.

Things remained much of the same in the second half as Rhode Island played a conservative, defensive minded game and continually frustrated the UWM attack. Moynihan adjusted the Panther lineup in an attempt to spark his team but his squad never could put the ball in the net. Amy Oechsner created numerous chances for UWM as her speed and one-on-one ability gave URI fits while freshman Janice McGann used her intelligence and distribution talents to create scoring opportunities as well.

"We tried some different things today and I put Janice up top because she is really good at combining with people and she really sees the field well," noted Moynihan. "I guess this is the time that we will truly be tested as a team. We talk about that concept and what it takes to be a team. I guess time will tell if we can do that and battle through some adversity. I have confidence we can do that."

UWM's next chance at breaking through offensively will come Friday (Sept. 20) with the Horizon League opener. The Panthers will hit the road for Friday's battle at Youngstown State University before heading to Dayton, Ohio, for a Sunday (Sept. 22) contest with Wright State University.