Oct. 8, 2008

Box Score

MADISON, Wis. - The University of Wisconsin men's soccer team scored three early goals to take control of the match and hand the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee a 4-0 loss Wednesday night at the McClimon Soccer Complex. The Panthers (3-5-4) held the Badgers (5-4-2) off the scoreboard after halftime and also outshot them after intermission, but could not get their offense going in the non-conference affair against their in-state rival.

"We came out flat and Wisconsin was eager to take advantage of its opportunities," UWM head coach Jon Coleman said. "We were careless and did not come ready to play. If you don't come ready to play, this is exactly what is going to happen."

Wisconsin found the back of the net on each of its first three shots on goal to claim its first victory in the series since 2004.

Freshman Evan Bartzis had an opportunity to break up the shutout in the 81st minute, but his close-range shot, after a nice set-up by freshman Eric Frazier, was stopped on a do-or-die save when UW keeper Ryan Vint came charging off his line to get a foot on the attempt. Frazier also had a free kick on top of the 18-yard box in the 60th minute, but his shot went right at the keeper.

"Down the stretch we started to see some of that fight, some of that determination and passion, and that is what we are going to have to take away from this and bring it on Saturday," Coleman said. "I think we kind of got caught on the tail end of a long road trip and Madison took advantage of it. But we need to play with that fight; we need to play with that determination every day. Every day we train ... every day we play, from this day forward."

Wisconsin struck quickly at the 3:16 mark when Colin Monasterio volleyed in a serve to make it 1-0. Before UWM could regain any momentum, the Badgers added goals in the 13th and 16th minutes to take control.

The Panthers were credited with just two first half shots, with the first not being recorded until the 25th minute by senior Travis Phillips.

Scott Lorenz finished with two goals and Kenny Dix with two assists to pace the Badgers to their highest goal-output of the season.

Milwaukee returns to action Saturday, hosting Green Bay in the annual battle for the Chancellor's Cup. In addition to the game being part of UWM's "Family Weekend", the match will also be televised by Time Warner Cable. Game time is set for 7 p.m. at Engelmann Field.