Aug. 20, 2006

Box Score

VALPARAISO, Ind. - The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men's soccer team ended the exhibition season in the same place it started: a 1-0 victory on a goal by senior Steve Sperl. On Sunday, the win came against Valparaiso, with Sperl's goal breaking a scoreless match in the 70th minute. The Panthers finish their exhibition season with a perfect 2-0 mark, while Valparaiso concludes at 0-2.

"We are definitely progressing in the right direction," UWM head coach Jon Coleman said. "It's also nice to finish the preseason 2-0. Any time you go away from home it's difficult. We worked hard to get another shutout today against a feisty, scrappy Valparaiso team."

Going back to the final two games of 2005, Sperl has been on a roll. On Sunday, he scored a goal in his fourth-straight outing. And, for the third time in those four contests, it was a game-winner. He also added the winner against Bradley in both the first round of the NCAA Tournament and in their preseason match-up last week.

"That is what we have been looking for from him," Coleman said. "He has a knack for the goal and has been finishing quality chances."

That opportunity came at the 69:24 mark of the game on an assist from junior Andre Francois. Francois had broken through the defense, sending a cross to Sperl in the box. He read the play perfectly and finished from about seven yards out.

The defense continued their solid play, not allowing a goal in the 180 minutes of the two preseason matches. Sophomore Grant Fernstrum recorded his second-straight shutout, coming up with seven saves - including several of the highlight variety.

"He made stops on four very difficult occasions that would have been goals," Milwaukee assistant coach Chris Dadaian said. "One of those was right before halftime, which would have really changed the momentum of the game. He has been very sharp this preseason."

For the game, UWM was outshot 14-12 and in shots on goal by a seven-to-four count. They forced five corner kicks to one for Valpo, and also held the 19-to-nine edge in the foul count. Seniors Dale Weiler, Billy Meier and Craig Mallace, and junior Dan Zelasko all had a team-high two shots. Paul Leitelt had a game-high four for the Crusaders.

"We have worked very hard the past couple of weeks and the guys have stepped up to the challenge," Coleman said. "Now, we have four days to prepare for Tulsa and the real thing."

The Panthers start the regular season with a weekend trip to the Golden Hurricane Classic in Tulsa, Okla. They open against host Tulsa on Friday at 7:30 p.m. before taking on No. 2 SMU on Sunday.