Box Score |  Notes

SEATTLE, Wash. (Set. 1, 2006) - The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's soccer team jumped ahead of defending national champion Portland, 2-1, but could not hold on in falling, 3-2, Friday night on the first day of the Husky Invitational.

The Panthers (2-1) led 2-1 at halftime, but saw Pilots (1-1-1), ranked eighth in this week's Soccer America poll, fight back with two unanswered goals late in the second half for the 3-2 lead. Preseason All-American Megan Rapinoe scored the first two goals for UP and assisted on the third to lead the way.

"Despite the fact that we were playing the defending national champions, we came here expecting to get two results," UWM head coach Michael Moynihan said. "We played well, but we are still disappointed with how the game ended."

The go-ahead marker came on a 1v1 with Michelle Enyeart beating sophomore goalkeeper Erin Kane in the 82nd minute. Rapinoe played a long ball to Enyeart, who was able to get around Kane, who was off her line.

Coming out of halftime, the Pilots fought to tie the game, but were held without any major opportunities early by the Panther defense, despite a 10-0 shot advantage in the frame. Rapinoe eventually tied it in the 78th after a UWM foul, drilling a free kick far post from 30 yards out.

"I thought we did alright in the second half, but we stopped doing what worked for us in the first half," Moynihan said. "I don't know if it was our energy, or trying to sit one a lead, but you can't do that against a team like Portland. Rapinoe was exceptional for them and really took charge late in the game."

With the game knotted at 1-1, Megna put Milwaukee ahead with her first goal of the season. Junior Amanda Winn drew a foul about 10 yards inside the midfield stripe. She then sent a free kick far post where Megna redirected the ball with her head past the UP keeper seconds into the 41st minute.

Portland had scored first, when Megan Rappinoe finished a give-and-go from Natalie Budge from 12 yards out in the 11th minute. The Pilots had taken control of an even match, culminating with the score.

The Panthers didn't back down, fighting back by generating a number of opportunities. A pair of freshmen combined to tie the score. Erin Kreuser played a through ball outside to Vraney just inside the 18-yard box. Vraney then beat a pair of defenders, blasting a shot far post from 15 yards out.

"We talked about that situation before the game. We knew the pace would be higher than usual and we emphasized remaining calm and keeping our composure no matter what happens," Moynihan said. "Once we settled down after their goal, there was some good soccer played on both sides. Louise had a very nice goal, using a great individual effort to beat a couple players and taking a good shot."

Early on, the game was back and forth with both teams controlling the ball for extended periods of time. For the half, UWM held the advantage in shots, 8-6, and took one of the half's three corner kicks. UP finished the match with the 16-8 shot advantage and a slight edge in corners, 4-3.

Kane stopped four shots in her first game of the season, while her counterpart, Cori Alexander had three saves.

Milwaukee continues its weekend in Seattle with tournament host Washington Sunday. The Panthers and Huskies kick off at 3:30 p.m. central time in the tourney's final match.