Oct. 14, 2007

Box Score |  Quotes |  Notes

MILWAUKEE - The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men's soccer team defeated Cleveland State, 2-1, Sunday afternoon to extend its unbeaten streak to six games (4-0-2). The Panthers (4-8-2, 4-0-1 Horizon) also improved their winning streak against the Vikings (3-8-2, 0-3-1 Horizon) to 18-consecutive games.

Milwaukee scored both of its goals in a span of one-minute and thirty-two seconds in the first half. It held on from there, giving up a goal in the 40th minute, but never letting the Vikings find the equalizer.

"We are getting results even though we are not playing the best soccer we are capable of playing," UWM head coach Jon Coleman said. "But at the same time, five games in 10 days is a tall task, and the guys really stepped up to the challenge - getting one tie and four wins. After coming off a slow start, we have really turned it around and gained some momentum."

Freshman Greg Rosenthal started the scoring at the 16:14 mark, finding the back of the net from just past midfield when his long-distance shot skipped off the wet field, hit the far post and caromed into the net.

Senior Martin Castro scored the eventual game-winner just 1:32 later, stopping a cross from senior Tenzin Rampa that carried through the goal box and firing a left-footed shot over the CSU keeper. Castro made a quick impression, scoring the goal just 31 seconds after subbing into the match.

Junior Ryan Germann earned another win, making seven saves, including a diving stop with just 29 seconds left in the game on a shot from Josh Williams, who had the ball in front after a Viking corner kick.

Germann also came up big in the 66th minute, making a save in a one-on-one situation after Williams got free on a breakaway. Besides a goal by George Kephart off two nice passes in the run of play at the 39:48 mark, the closest Cleveland State would get was a shot that went off the post in the 33rd minute.

The game was played in less than ideal conditions, due to a constant heavy rain that made the field near-unplayable by the end of the match. The Panthers also moved into first place by themselves in the Horizon League after Green Bay (3-0-2 league) tied with Detroit today.

"It's great [being 4-0-1 in league]," Coleman said. We started October as a `new season' and we have a new focus and a new outlook on things. We are just a team that is going to keep moving forward."

For the game, CSU outshot UWM, 16-to-12, including an eight-to-six edge in shots on goal. The Vikings also held the six-to-five advantage in corner kicks, while getting whistled for 13 of the 27 fouls. Germann made seven saves and CSU keeper Nick Harpel recorded four in defeat.

The final home game of the regular season is up next for Milwaukee when it hosts Loyola on Thursday. Senior Night against the Ramblers is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start at Engelmann Field.