Box Score |  Notes

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (Nov. 12, 2006) - The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's soccer team surrendered a fifth-minute goal and could not recover in falling to No. 1 Notre Dame, 1-0, Sunday afternoon in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

The Irish now advances to the Sweet 16, where they will host the winner of Colorado/Denver next weekend.

"As close as we were at the end of the game, knowing we were inches from scoring on a couple occasions, leaves you wanting," Milwaukee head coach Michael Moynihan said. "I was happy with the effort and proud of how we played. Their media said afterward that this was the toughest they'd seen Notre Dame played in their time covering them. I think that says a lot of what this team has accomplished this year and where we can go in the future."

After surrendering an early goal, the Panthers came right at the top team in the country, but was one pass from scoring the equalizer a number of times. For the match, the Irish held a 9-7 advantage in shots and both teams forced five corner kicks.

Milwaukee's defense held Notre Dame to its season low for shots by five, while being almost 14 below its season average. UWM also dictated the run of play at times, forcing the Irish to nine more fouls (17-8) and all six of the game's offsides calls.

"A lot of teams sit back on Notre Dame and try not to surrender goals,"Moynihan said. "Our mentality coming in was to run right at them and I thought we were successful doing that. Looking at the stats, it was a close game and, in the end, I think they fatigued.

"The only portion of the game we struggled was the first 10 minutes. Once we settled down, I thought we controlled majority of the midfield play."

Notre Dame broke through for the game's first goal in just the fifth minute. Michele Weissenhofer took a through ball past the Milwaukee defense and converted from eight yards out past sophomore keeper Erin Kane. Kerri Hanks and Jen Buczkowski were credited with assists on the play.

The Panthers and Irish played a fairly even first half, despite Notre Dame jump out to a 1-0 lead in the opening minutes of the match. Milwaukee shook off some early jitters and fought for control of the match throughout.

For the half, Milwaukee was outshot by just two, at 5-3, and held a corner kick advantage of 4-3. Each keeper was called on for one save, while the Irish were whistled for three more fouls (6-3) and all three offside calls of the frame.

In the 29th minute, UWM had an extended possession in the UND 18-yard box, but was unable to get a shot directed on goal. Freshman Kate Megna nearly bent in a corner kick in the 43rd minute, as her corner crossed the endline just two yards past the goal.

Coming out of halftime, the Panthers went right at Notre Dame, generating an extended attack in the 47th minute, resulting in two shots, and a near miss seven minutes later. Junior Amanda Winn sent a line drive free kick through the box at the far post. A number of UWM players ran onto the ball, but senior Stacey Faude just missed the ball with a slide into the box.

In the game's final minute, Milwaukee drew a foul from 35 yards out and had the clock stopped for an injury. Winn sent the free kick right at the UND keeper, and the Irish were able to run out the clock.

"You can look at this game and say we were so close to a win against the number one team in the country. Or what could have been with a different bracket," Moynihan said. "But, this was a great opportunity to play the number one team in the country for our seniors that are leaving and for the education of our younger players."

Kane finished with two saves in the game and Lauren Karas made two for the Irish.

The Panthers end their second in the NCAA Tournament second round for the second-straight year, while posting a number of school records this season, including wins (16), winning percentage (.773), goals allowed (10) and goals against average (0.44).