Oct. 22, 2004

Box Score

MILWAUKEE - Dan Horst scored an early second half goal and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee held on despite playing a man down to claim a 1-0 victory over Northern Illinois University in men's soccer action here Friday (Oct. 22). The Panthers defeated Northern Illinois for the fifth consecutive season and retained the John Lewang Cup in the battle between longtime rivals. Milwaukee improves to 6-4-3 on the season while the Huskies fall to 11-5-1 on the year.

"NIU came fast and furious to begin the game and they really overwhelmed us early on," UWM head coach Louis Bennett said. "They play a very high-tempo game and it got to us. However, in the second half we quickened our pace a little bit and took control of things. We really got solid midfield play from both Dan Zelasko and Troy Spielmann."

Northern Illinois played an aggressive style in the first half and controlled a large portion of the play. However, despite the Huskies' assertiveness the UWM defense remained stingy and allowed just four first half shots, and one shot on goal. The scoring chances were minimal in the first 45 minutes as the two teams were whistled for a combined 23 fouls.

UWM appeared to make some solid adjustments during the halftime break as the second half run of play favored the host Panthers. Milwaukee pressed forward in the early part of the half and eventually capitalized for the game winner. Northern Illinois tried to clear the ball out of their zone only to see it intercepted by Trent Furtsch. Furtsch fed Dale Weiler down the left sideline who sailed a ball towards the goal. The ball richocheted off the crossbar where a waiting Horst headed it home in the 52nd minute.

The game remained physical throughout the second half as four cards were issued in the frame. The two teams traded chances the entire half but neither team could find the net the remainder of the way. NIU earned a man advantage in the 79th minute when UWM's Adam Gehrt was sent off after being issued his second yellow card.

Despite the advantage NIU could never really muster a solid scoring chance the rest of the game. Milwaukee outshot the visitors nine to seven in the second half while registering four corner kicks to two for NIU. Eric Mickschl stopped four shots on the day to earn his second shutout of the season and fourth overall win.

Milwaukee returns to action next week with three home games. UWM hosts Marquette on Tuesday (Oct. 26) at Engelmann Field before finishing off the regular season with a pair of weekend Horizon League contests.

Game Notes

* UWM had defeated Northern Illinois five straight seasons

* Milwaukee has held NIU scoreless in the last four meetings while holding a 7-0 scoring advantage

* Dale Weiler collected his league-leading eighth assist

* Eric Mickschl leads the Horizon League with a 0.77 goals against average