Oct. 29, 2003

Box Score

MADISON, WIS. - Coming into Wednesday night's game, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee was looking to refine the technical aspect of their game before entering post-season league play. UWM knew with a pair of Big Ten teams on the horizon, the time was right for improving. However, despite playing well throughout the match the Panthers (8-8-1) dropped a 2-1 decision to the University of Wisconsin (9-8-1) at the McClimon Soccer Complex.

Playing in the aftermath of heavy rainfall, the Panther defense had to endure an early shower of offensive pressure by the Badgers. Within the first five minutes, Wisconsin's Allison Preiss lined up for a corner kick that Molly Meuer figured to have a header for the game's first score. UW-Milwaukee goalkeeper Kerri St. Aubin thought otherwise as she slipped herself into position to make a diving save on Meuer's shot.

With players struggling to find their footing in McClimon Field, Bethany Heine, of Wisconsin, was fouled and awarded a free kick. The early momentum swung in favor of the Badgers as Heine's kick found Meuer streaking in behind the defense to score the game's first goal.

Despite the one goal deficit, Milwaukee stayed resilient and fought back. On an attempted shot by Melissa Ricter, UW cleared the ball, only to give UWM a corner kick. The ensuing kick found Taylor Powell who's attempted header just missed tying the game. Using the newfound offensive breathing room, the Panthers cracked through to even the game up 20 minutes later. Elizabeth Chudy found a loose ball in front of Badger goalkeeper, Stefani Szczechowski to turn in her third goal of the season and tying the game at 1-1. However, The Badgers would take the lead back with six seconds left in the half off a goal by Kara Kabellis, giving the Badgers a 2-1 halftime lead.

The Panthers came back in the second half with several chances to get inside the Badger defense and while continuing to play well defensively. Molly Schneider entered the game in the second half in relief of Kerri St. Aubin and made several big saves to keep Milwaukee alive while the offense came through with a few offensive chances. Midway through the half Chudy found a seam up the left side and passed the ball off to Sara Lewis. Lewis had cut in by the defense just to the left of the goal box to receive Chudy's pass. Lewis then turned to take a shot, only to see it blocked by a Badger defender. The Panthers continued to battle, but tough defensive play and stellar goalkeeping by Schneider wasntt enough to pull out the comeback with the Panthers falling 2-1.

"Molly Schneider played a great half for us by making four big saves," Panther coach Mike Moynihan said. "We just played a very good team tonight and expected them to pressure us the way they did. We'll move on from it and get ready to close out our regular season against Northwestern.

Milwaukee will close the regular season on Sunday (Nov. 1) afternoon at Engelmann Field when Northwestern University comes to town. Sunday's game is senior day and is set to begin at noon.