Sept. 15, 2006

Box Score |  Quotes |  Notes

DETROIT, Mich. - The University of Detroit-Mercy upended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men's soccer team, 2-1, in the Horizon League opener for both teams on Friday. The Panthers (3-5-0, 0-1 Horizon) outshot the Titans (3-2-0, 1-0 Horizon) by a 21-10 count - including 16-2 in the second half - but were unable to put more than one goal on the scoreboard.

"It just seems like the same old story of late," UWM head coach Jon Coleman said. "We just couldn't finish our opportunities even though we were creating numerous chances."

Down 1-0 at the half, the Panthers tied the game at 1-1 in the 58th minute when Milwaukee senior Billy Meier recorded the first goal of his UWM career. He headed home the goal from inside the six-yard box at the back post off a free kick from senior Craig Mallace.

Shortly after the UWM goal, the Panthers had another opportunity offensively but couldn't take advantage. Detroit then reversed the field and had a chance of their own, but Milwaukee cleared the threat. On the throw-in, the Panthers had the ball and a chance to go forward with it, but ended up sending the ball back into the box.

That was when Kyle Gianotti, who had just subbed into the game 33 second earlier, was in the right place after a pass from Jason Massoglia, to beat the UWM keeper for the winner at the 65:19 mark.

Milwaukee dominated the second half, helped along by the fact that they played a man up for the final 64 minutes after Detroit's Alex Kawalit was issued a red card. The Panthers outshot their opponents, 7-0, after the second UDM goal, but could not force overtime.

"We created a few good chances, but just got frustrated," Coleman said. "We looked like we played tired. The guys were emotionally drained after four games [in the past eight days]. That's a hard stretch ... and we just weren't good today."

Titan goalie Sasha Boskovic made six saves for the victory. Senior Eric Mickschl, making his second-consecutive start, had four saves in defeat. For the game, Milwaukee not only had the huge edge in shots, but forced six corner kicks to none for the Titans.

The loss in a Horizon League game is never easy, especially after the Panthers started the league slate last year at 1-1 when these same Titans knocked them off at home.

"This is almost the same situation as a year ago," Coleman said. "And we got it done last year and got the results we needed after that."

The team will be off for the rest of the weekend, returning to action on Wednesday when they travel to Madison for a match-up with in-state rival Wisconsin. The Panthers and the Badgers will start the non-conference affair at 7 p.m.