Sept. 16, 2005

Box Score |  Quotes

MADISON, Wis. - The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's soccer team played dominating soccer for 90 minutes, but was unable to score in falling to Colgate University, 1-0, Friday afternoon in the opening game of the Big Toe Invitational.

"This is a game where the stats were an honest indicator of how the game was," associate head coach David Nikolic said. "I thought we were well-organized and had great individual efforts, but it comes down to putting the ball in the net."

The Panthers (2-3-2) outshot the Red Raiders (4-2), 15-3, and forced four more corner kicks (7-3) in the loss.

"When it comes down to it, the final score is the only stat that matters and that stat was not in our favor," Nikolic said.

Colgate broke through with a counter-attack goal in the 52nd minute. Josie Johnson brought the ball down the right side and sent a cross through the six-yard box. The ball bounced around and, in the confusion, Franny Iacuzzi found the back of the net to put the Red Raiders up, 1-0. Carolyn Warhaftig was also credited with an assist on the play.

UWM came out aggressive against the Raiders, dictating the tempo of the game throughout the first half. The Panthers controlled possession much of the period, which led to prolonged periods on the attack. Freshman Sarah Teegarden and sophomore Pam Shipway each put hard-struck balls on goal, but the keeper came away with the save each time.

On the defensive side, the Panther back line harrassed the Colgate forwards each time they mounted an attack. For the half, UWM outshot the Raiders, 7-1, including 3-1 in shots on goal.

"I think our depth allowed us to play at a high pace," Nikolic said. "We organized well defensively, so it was easy for us to pick balls off. And, for the third game in a row Pam Shipway did a great job in the central defensive midfield."

In the second half the Milwaukee pressure continued, but to no avail. The Panthers continued to control the possession and maintain offensive attacks. Milwaukee had legitimate threats in the 47th and 65th minutes with loose balls in the box, but were unable to get off a shot.

Nikolic handled the head coaching duties for the third-straight game as head coach Michael Moynihan remained in Milwaukee with his wife, Holly, who gave birth to the couple's first child, a boy, Thursday.

CU keeper Luisa Miller made eight saves in posting the shutout, while freshman Erin Kane made one save in the nets for UWM.

Action for Milwaukee at the Big Toe Invitational continues Saturday, against the University of Wisconsin. The Panthers and Badgers kick off at approximately 7 p.m., following Colgate vs. BYU.