Sept. 8, 2002

Box Score

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - A team that plays solid soccer yet can't find the back of the net will take goals however and whenever they can get them. Such is the motto for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's soccer team as the Panthers took advantage of two blooper free kick goals to defeat Long Beach State University, 3-1, in the third place game of the Purdue Invitational here Sunday (September 8). The win was the first of the season for the improving Panthers (1-2-1) while Long Beach falls to 0-4 on the young campaign.

UWM started play on Sunday controlling much of the tempo and pace of the contest. However, much like the Panthers three season-opening matches, UWM failed to find the net and capitalize on numerous first half chances. Meanwhile, LBSU scored on a tap in from a nice corner kick play en route to a 1-0 halftime lead.

"It was difficult going into halftime down a goal because we controlled the game for much of the first half," UWM head coach Michael Moynihan said. "We made some nice runs and did some things but Long Beach scored on a really nice goal and took advantage of their opportunity."

The 49er's made some halftime adjustments and put pressure on UWM right out of the gates in the second half. The Panthers withstood the LBSU onslaught and eventually tied the game with one of two Maggie Suminski goals. The senior defender, who entered play with one goal in three seasons, lofted a 50-yard free kick that went completely untouched and bounced over the LBSU goalkeeper into the back of the net.

Milwaukee appeared rejuvinated by the Suminski goal and continued to pressure the 49er defense. Playing in 97-degree heat, UWM attacked LBSU and finally broke through for the eventual game-winning goal. Freshman Janice McGann notched her first career tally when she tapped home a rebound from a Panther corner kick.

UWM eventually put the game away later in the second stanza when Suminski struck again. The defender once again took advantage of a free kick this time lofting a high, blooping shot from 35-yards that bounced and sneaked by the LBSU goalkeeper.

"This was really an odd game," Moynihan noted. "It was close to 100-degrees out there and the game was stopped for nearly 30 minutes due to a lightning storm. However I think we played well enough to win today and we eventually did just that. The girls are pleased to finally get a win and head back home on a high note."

Two-goal scorer Suminski and freshman goalkeeper Molly Schneider were named to the 11-person Purdue Invitational All-Tournament Team. The hosts, Purdue, claimed the tournament title with a 4-0 blanking of Buffalo in the championship match.

Things won't get easier for UWM as they play host to the nation's 25th ranked team, the University of Cincinnati, on Friday. The match is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Engelmann Field.