Oct. 30, 2004

Box Score

MILWAUKEE, Wis. - Freshman Joanna Severson scored her first career goal with 12 seconds remaining in regulation to send the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Purdue University on a windy Senior Day Saturday at Englemann Field. With the win, the Panthers (10-7-2) clinch a winning season, as well as reach the 10-win plateau for the eighth time in nine seasons.

"Except for the last 10 minutes, where (Purdue) had some dangerous opportunities," head coach Michael Moynihan said, "I was happy with how our defense played. The wind wreaked havoc, but neither team really took advantage."

With 16 seconds remaining, senior Melissa Ricter sent a throw-in into the penalty box to start the play. Sophomore Taylor Powell received the ball and sent a touch to the middle of the box where Severson sent a shot at the far post. The ball hit the post and bounced into the goal with 12 seconds remaining on the clock.

"Ricter was actually coming on for Joanna, but at the last minute I sent her in for (freshman) Pam (Shipway)," Moynihan said of a substitution preceding the game-winner. "Then she got in there and took the throw-in."

The game had been deadlocked at 1-1 since the 11th minute, where both goals come within 12 seconds of each other. Purdue's Parrissa Eyorokon got the game's scoring underway with a lofting shot from 30 yards out. Lori Arnold assisted on the play, sending a pass from the corner of the penalty area.

Milwaukee answered back quickly, making an offensive push and drawing a penalty kick when senior Sara Lewis was taken down in the box. Junior Elizabeth Chudy took the PK and scored the equalizer off the near post. The 12 seconds between goals ties a school record for shortest amount of time in back-to-back goals scored by UWM and an opponent.

Keeping with the Senior Day trend, St. Aubin made three saves to pick up her 34th career win, tying assistant coach Kathy Hoverman's school record. Lauren Mason and Maureen Carey each played a half for Purdue, making two saves and allowing one goal apiece.

On paper, the game was almost dead even, with each team taking 11 shots and four corner kicks. Besides saves, the only other differences came in fouls and offsides, where the Panthers led in both categories, 8-6 and 5-0, respectively.

Four seniors were honored in a pre-game ceremony as Lewis, Ricter, St. Aubin and Brenda Andrews played their final career home game. The class is the first in school history to win league championships in each of their four years.

"It was a day for our seniors and I was glad they could end their careers with a win on their home field," Moynihan said. "This class is small in numbers, but everyone of them has been big for our program.

"We talk about team values and they are all great examples of our team's values for our freshman. I think this is a great group. As a coach, to see how they develop as people over four years is a big reward of coaching."

UWM returns to action on Thursday (Nov. 4) in the quarterfinals of the Horizon League Tournament with gametime yet to be determined. Milwaukee's opponent will be Cleveland State, who secured the No. 8 seed with a loss at UW-Green Bay on Friday.