Oct. 29, 2004

Box Score

MILWAUKEE - On a day that eventually belonged to Antou Jallow, it was Neil Dombrowski who rode the roller coaster of emotions as the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men's soccer team defeated Butler University 2-1 in Horizon League action here Friday (Oct. 29). With the win, UWM improved to 9-4-3 on the season and 5-1-0 in the Horizon League while moving into a first-place league tie with Butler as the Bulldogs fell to 11-5-1 and 5-1-0 in league play. However, if both teams win their season finale's on Sunday UWM will claim hosting rights to the 2004 Horizon League Tournament thanks to Friday's victory.

"This was just a fantastic soccer game and a fantastic win for us," UWM head coach Louis Bennett said. "Butler came into today as the team to beat in the league and they were getting votes in the national poll. Playing at home was huge for us and hopefully we can take care of things on Sunday versus Cleveland State and then host the whole tournament."

Things did not start well for the homestanding Panthers as Butler came out very aggressive and took a 1-0 lead in just the seventh minute of the game. Andrew Pancio lined a corner kick to eight yards away where David Wyrick finished a sliding volley past UWM keeper Eric Mickschl. The lead was the first against Milwaukee since it fell behind 1-0 to Wright State on Oct. 15.

Dombrowski's wild day began in the 32nd minute after Jallow was taken down in the penalty box. Dombrowski then stepped up to take the ensuing penalty kick only to see BU keeper Evan Reinhardt make a diving save at the left post. UWM continued to press forward in the half but went into the locker room trailing by a goal.

Milwaukee clearly controlled things from the beginning of the second half as Butler appeared to wear down. Dombrowski began his half of redemption in the 64th minute when he helped set up UWM's game-tying and Jallow's record goal. Dombrowski took a ball near midfield and played a pass to Chris Brisson at the far right. Brisson sent a perfectly placed cross towards the six-yard box where Jallow drilled a diving header into the back of the net.

The goal, which equalized the score at one, was the 54th of Jallow's career, breaking the old UWM career standard of 53 set by U.S. World Cup starter Tony Sanneh. Furthermore, the 54th goal ties Jallow with Detroit's Jorege Ferriera for the top spot on the Horizon League all-time list.

Dombrowski's day was not complete, however, as he eventually put UWM ahead for good in the 75th minute. Defender Trent Furtsch, who was active all day along the left flank, drove a crossing pass to the far post. Dombrowski then beat his mark, took the pass, and softly headed it past Reinhardt and inside the near post for the game-winner.

"I have been struggling a bit this year and I wanted to make up for missing that first half penalty kick," Dombrowski said. "The pass from Trent was great and I knew I had just a little bit of space to sneak it through. Fortunately it went in and we held on to win."

Butler had a few chances to tie the game but could never get any solid shots while UWM missed chances to grab a two-goal cushion. Milwaukee outshot Butler 16-9 on the game while registering eight corner kicks to two for the visitors. Mickschl stopped two BU shots to record his seventh win of the season while Jallow scored his Horizon League best 12th goal.

Milwaukee will finish the 2004 regular season at home on Sunday (Oct. 31) versus Cleveland State. UWM will honor the eight seniors on the roster in its annual Senior Day festivities. The game is set for 12:00 p.m. at Engelmann Field.