Sept. 5, 2003

Box Score

MILWAUKEE - The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's soccer team ran into a buzzsaw Friday, Sept. 5 at Engelmann Field. The buzzsaw's name, the University of Kansas. The visiting Jayhawks attacked the UWM goal all night en route to a 3-0 victory, dropping the host Panthers to 0-3 while improving their own record to 3-0.

Kansas dominated play from the early going and very rarely let up. The aggressive attack of its front line and impressive play of the midfield helped KU push UWM out of its comfort level. The Jayhawks took the lead on the eventual game-winner when Nikki Alvarez scored off a cross at the 19:31 mark of the first half. Midfielder Lauren Williams corraled a loose ball and sent a cross towards the goal where Alvarez headed it home. Kansas continued its surge and made it 2-0 when forward Caroline Smith beat UWM keeper Molly Schneider to the near post after an impressive sprint with the ball.

Milwaukee created a few scoring chances in the first half thanks to the spirited play of forward Erin Shaughnessy. The senior wreaked havoc on the KU defensive line with her aggressive style. Shaughnessy took both of Milwaukee's first half shots, one of which richocheted just wide off of KU keeper Meghan Miller's hands. The visitors outshot UWM 10-2 in the first half and took four corner kicks to the Panthers' one.

"You have to give Kansas credit. They have a dangerous attack and very good team speed," UWM head coach Michael Moynihan said. "They are a very good picture of what we want to eventually do. They have an aggressive mentality and some forwards who really attack the goal. They are a very solid team."

Play evened up a bit in the second half with KU holding a slight edge in shots, 6-5. However, a goal by Jessica Kilpatrick at the 54:57 mark of the second half clinched the game for the visitors. Kilpatrick tapped in a shot from Williams, after the midfielder beat three UWM defenders off the dribble. Sophomore Kristen Baluta added a spark in the second half for Milwaukee with two shots while Kerri St. Aubin impressed in net. St. Aubin, a junior, allowed just one goal while making six saves in 57:49 of action.

"We are a young team and hopefully we will learn from a team like Kansas," added Moynihan. "Our play was, and has been, way too conservative. We play the ball backwards too much and we are really timid, especially when attacking. I would expect us to be more aggressive and assertive when we have so much inter-competition for jobs and travel spots but it's just not the case. I think we have some soul searching to do."

Milwaukee will get one day to recover from the Kansas game before returning to action. The Panthers will host Illinois State University Sunday (Sept. 7) in a rare 10 a.m. start at Engelmann Field.