Box Score |  Notes

VALPARAISO, Ind. (Oct. 12, 2007) - Freshman Nicole Sperl scored her fourth game-winning goal of the season to lead the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's soccer team to a 2-0 win over Valparaiso Friday afternoon.

The Panthers (8-3-3, 4-0-1 Horizon) are unbeaten in their last eight games (5-0-3), while the Crusaders evened their record at 7-7 on the season and fell to 1-3 in league play.

"It was a nice, comfortable game for us," Milwaukee head coach Michael Moynihan said. "We were never really threatened and were able to get everyone that was healthy into the game. This late in the season, it's good to get everybody more experience and rest some of our other players."

A trio of freshmen combined on the game's first score, with Erin DeYoung sending a long ball diagonally to the weak side. Sperl challenged for the ball and sent it to Sarah Talbert, who then beat the keeper and crossed it back to Sperl. She then finished on the open net for her fourth score of the season and the eventual game-winner in the 34th minute.

Senior Joanna Severson later made it 2-0 on a penalty kick in the 67th minute after sophomore Kate Megna was taken down in the box. Severson converted her second PK of the season for her third goal. Murray guessed correctly on the location of the shot, but was unable to reach the ball, which snuck inside the post.

The Panthers were never really threatened in the match, outshooting Valpo 16-7 and taking the game's only corner kick. The Crusaders' best opportunity came when a player beat a UWM defender on the outside and sent a cross through the box. Kane was able to snare the cross and prevent the opportunity for a shot.

Kane made one save in the game for her eighth shutout of the season, while Murray finished with five saves.

Milwaukee returns to action with a three-game homestand in six days this week. The Panthers host Loyola Tuesday before welcoming Cleveland State to Engelmann Field Friday and Wright State Sunday.