Aug. 18, 2008

Box Score

PEORIA, Ill. - Freshman Evan Bartzis netted the game-winner in the 79th minute to give the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men's soccer team a 1-0 victory over Bradley University Monday in what was the exhibition opener for both teams. The Panthers outshot the Braves, ranked No. 21 in the preseason by the National Soccer Coaches Association, by a 14-to-7 count before finally putting the game away late.

The teams played three 30-minute periods, with seniors Grant Fernstrum and Ryan Germann splitting the game nearly in half time-wise to share the shutout in goal. It may have been an exhibition game, but the victory was an impressive one for a young UWM team that brings 16 newcomers to the roster this fall.

"We were really pleased," UWM head coach Jon Coleman said. "This gives us a strong foundation to build from. It's great for us to go on the road and beat a nationally-ranked team with such a young squad. This is a very focused and determined group and gives us a lot to look forward to this season."

Bradley is coming off its most successful season in program history, a 16-win campaign that saw it advance to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament after winning regular season and tournament titles in the Missouri Valley Conference.

It was two of the Panther newcomers that helped combine for the winning goal. Bartzis was there to finish from about 16 yards out just inside the box, but the assist came on a quick touch from classmate Nick Dundon who set up the winner perfectly. Dundon had played a ball from junior Nicholas Gerard-Larson for the only score of the game.

Fernstrum and Germann were called on to make just one save each for the clean sheet, with Germann stopping the only quality chance that UWM allowed in the match on a diving stop of a bicycle kick from BU's Christian Meza in the 67th minute.

Senior Travis Phillips, sophomore Greg Rosenthal and freshmen Aaron Gibbons, DJ Alexander and Tony Maxey played well all day on the back line. The team allowed just seven shots defensively - five coming from Braves All-American candidate Chris Cutshaw.

"We were able to rotate guys in and get them some experience," Coleman said. "We were also able to lock down defensively and keep the shutout."

Sophomore Robert Refai had a team-high four shots for the Panthers, including a near-goal in the 18th minute on a one-timer that was stopped by Drew Van Kampen, who made five saves in defeat.

Milwaukee continues its preseason with a home game against UW-Whitewater on Wednesday night, starting at 7 p.m. The match will also serve as the team's annual Media Day. One hour before the start of the match, all members of the media are invited to meet and discuss the 2008 season with head coach Jon Coleman, who starts his third season at the helm of the Panthers this fall. In addition, all current UWM soccer players will be made available for interview requests.

Please contact UWM Assistant Sports Information Director Chris Zills at 414-229-4593 or e-mail czills@uwm.edu with any inquiries regarding media day.

NOTES:
-Junior Nicholas Gerard-Larson was named the UWM Players "Man of the Match".
-Ten of the UWM newcomers made appearances in the match, including freshmen Aaron Gibbons, Ross Van Osdol, Tony Maxey and Stephen Romanello, who were all in the starting lineup.