Sept. 10, 2006

Box Score |  Quotes |  Notes

MADISON, Wis. - Sophomore Colin Baker scored in the 51st minute to tie the game, only to see No. 6 Washington prevail, 2-1, in overtime to hand the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men's soccer team its second heartbreaking loss of the weekend. The Huskies (5-0) are the third UWM (2-4) opponent to spend time in the Top 10 this season, and the third to hand them a tough one-goal loss as well.

"Add this to the list of heartbreakers," UWM head coach Jon Coleman said. "This one was real hard to swallow. We worked hard, we created chances and we outplayed them today ... but that's soccer."

The game-winner came at the 96:47 mark. After a UWM foul beyond the top of the box, the referee appeared to be giving Washington's Kevin Forrest a 10-yard gap from Panther defenders for the ensuing kick. Forrest quickly played the free kick and the ball was in the back of the net before anyone reacted to what happened. The Panthers players and staff disputed the goal, claiming the referee should have signaled the ball back into play before Forrest's kick.

The Panthers had a few golden opportunities in the extra session to earn the victory themselves. Just 40 seconds into the period, junior Troy Spielmann sent a header towards the net that went just wide. He had another shot moments later that was saved, with the Huskies cleaning up the loose ball in the box that could have proved dangerous.

"It's a tough way to lose," Coleman said. "But they [Washington] were able to take advantage of the opportunities they were given."

Baker was in the right place at the right time at the 50:13 mark, cleaning up senior Dale Weiler's shot that went off the post for his second goal of the season to tie the game at one.

Washington took the 1-0 lead on the only scoring off the first half, converting a penalty kick in the 27th minute after a Panther defender was whistled for holding a Huskie player away from the ball on a free kick.

Milwaukee trailed in the shot count, 15-to-14, with both teams finishing with seven shots on goal. The Panthers forced five corner kicks to two for WU, with UWM getting whistled for 22 of the 41 fouls in the game. Sophomore Grant Fernstrum continues to play well in the tough defeats, making five saves. His counterpart, Camero Copps-Tilley, made six stops for the victory. Spielmann and senior Craig Mallace led the way with three shots each.

The next game on the schedule will be another big one for Milwaukee, as they are set to host Marquette on Wednesday in the first official night game in Engelmann Field history. Not only is the contest the annual match-up for the Milwaukee Cup, but will also mark the return of former UWM coach Louis Bennett to Engelmann for the first time since he left to take over the Golden Eagles this past winter. Game time is set for 7 p.m. with a special pre-game lights ceremony.