Oct. 27, 2007

Box Score |  Quotes |  Notes

GREEN BAY, Wis. - Grant Fernstrum made four saves and Adam Skalecki scored the only goal to lead the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men's soccer team to a thrilling 1-0 victory over the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Saturday night at Santaga Stadium.

With the victory, the Panthers (5-10-2, 5-2-1 Horizon) not only retain possession of the Chancellor's Cup, but move above the Phoenix (9-4-4, 4-2-2 Horizon) in the standings and clinch a second-place finish in the Horizon League.

"That was an all-out team effort," UWM head coach Jon Coleman said. "It was a culmination of really playing with your heart. I thought we played some really good soccer. When Adam Skalecki got called upon he made the most of his opportunity and we got some great performances across the board."

Fernstrum got the start and played well, making all four of his saves in the second half, including one with just over two minutes remaining that saved the game from overtime.

Green Bay's Ray Hibbler found himself in a one-on-one situation from point-blank range on the left side of the goal box, rifling a high shot that Fernstrum got enough of to punch up and over the cross bar.

Skalecki was the hero for the offense, finding the back of the net at the 77:37 mark for his first goal of the season. He was in the right place at the right time, collecting a loose ball near the top of the box and sending a 14-yard shot past the UWGB keeper.

UWM nearly got on the board with 22 minutes left, but senior Ken Ogorzalek's 12-yard low shot from the top of the box was cleared off the line by a Green Bay defender.

Fernstrum made his first save of the match in the 51st minute, stopping a harmless 25-yard floater. He came up big with 24 minutes remaining, making a diving save of a breakaway shot by Tosaint Ricketts. He also stopped an easy header with 6:30 left in the contest.

The majority of the first half was spent in the midfield, although Milwaukee did create enough chances to earn four corner kicks before intermission. The Panthers used the corners to earn a couple of different opportunities, outshooting the Phoenix, seven-to-five, in the first half.

The only two shots on target were by UWM, with freshman Robert Refai almost sneaking one in with about 15 minutes left. Senior Martin Castro brought the ball downfield, sending a pass along the top of the 18-yard box to senior Zeke Dombrowski. Dombrowski threaded a pass through the defense to Refai, who had his attempt saved by a diving Adam Stikl.

Freshman Ben Chavers had the other shot in goal, coming in the 39th minute. He had a 15-yard blast saved, coming off a second phase attack following a corner kick.

Green Bay was credited with seven shots, but none on target. Rickett's did have one come close, creating a shot after controlling a poor UWM clearance attempt. He dribbled through traffic to create some space, sending is 20-yard attempt off the cross bar in the 23rd minute..

For the game, both teams totaled 14 shots and five corner kicks. UWM was whistled for 16 of the 34 fouls. Stikl had two saves in defeat, with Fernstrum making four.

Milwaukee plays another cup game next, heading over to Valley Fields to battle Marquette October 31 at 7 p.m.