Aug. 29, 2003

Box Score

MADISON, WI - The L-Train was up and running in Madison, Wis. Friday (Aug. 29) as the No. 18 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men's soccer team defeated Northern Illinois University 2-0 in the first game of the Rocky Rococo Madison Classic. Seniors Bobby Lish and Kyle Lance, aka the L-Train, connected on both UWM goals as the Panthers won their first game of the season and 16th straight regular season contest. With the loss, NIU drops to 0-1 and loses control of the John Lewang Cup.

The two Panther goals came on identical plays, one to start the game and one late in the first half. Lish headed home a Lance throw in just 28 seconds into the game to give Milwaukee the 1-0 lead. The goal was the second-fastest in school history, second only to Jake Provan's tally on Sept. 12, 1993. The senior duo connected again at the 43:21 mark when Lish rose high above the defense and headed home another Lance throw. UWM controlled play the majority of the first half, taking eight shots to the Huskies one.

"That is probably the best collegiate game Bobby Lish has played in his four years here," UWM head man Louis Bennett said. "He was playing out of position with Antou (Jallow) injured but he is versatile enough to get the job done. It's nice to get a win early on, especially against a team like NIU. They are a thirsty team and one that plays very hard."

Much like the first, the second period was controlled by the Black and Gold, however the Panthers never could find the back of the net. UWM outshot Northern Illinois four to three in the half, while the Panthers took six corner kicks to the Huskies two. Coach Bennett subbed freely in the second half, as sixteen different players saw action in the frame.

Junior netminder Kirk Thode notched his first career shutout while making his first career start. The Rock Island, Ill.-native made one save on the day while directing a young UWM defense. The Panthers, playing without All-America candidate Khaled El-Ahmed, looked solid in the back, with freshmen Steve Bode and junior Chris Brisson playing well.

"I thought Steve Bode really played well, regardless of what year he is," Bennett added. "Ironically, we played much better in the second half but our two goals came in the first half. We got a pair of goals on set pieces and that is nice to see. They weren't necessarily pretty but they got the job done."

Milwaukee will get a day to recover before facing the University of New Mexico in a Top 25 showdown on Sunday (Aug. 31). The Panthers, ranked No. 18 in the preseason NSCAA poll, will face the No. 22 Lobos at 12 p.m. at the UW Soccer Complex in Madison.