Aug. 20, 2008

Box Score

MILWAUKEE - Senior Travis Phillips scored a goal and assisted on another to lead the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men's soccer team to a 3-0 victory over the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Wednesday night at Engelmann Field. The Panthers used three first-half goals to jump out to a quick lead against the Warhawks while keeping their opponents off the scoreboard for the second-straight match this exhibition season.

Milwaukee used 20 players in the game, utilizing every field player that was suited up for the contest. Seniors Ryan Germann and Grant Fernstrum combined for three saves in goal to record the team's second-consecutive clean sheet in 2008.

"Everyone that was dressed and healthy was able to play, so we were able to get them some experience," UWM head coach Jon Coleman said. "It was great ... now we have played two games and we haven't allowed a goal. And, at the same time, we have had production up front that has relieved some of the pressure on our back line that can make all the difference."

Freshman Nick Dundon netted the game-winner at the 14-minute mark, sending a shot from the right wing off the left post and in after getting set up nicely by Phillips at the top of the box. The play happened after a corner kick was served back in by freshman Aaron Gibbons and gave Milwaukee early momentum.

Less than 13 minutes later it was sophomore Peter Sanger, finishing nicely on a long pass from just over midfield by sophomore Abe Gibbons that threaded through the defense and found Sanger alone at the top of the penalty area.

Phillips closed out the action in the 40th minute, firing a rocket into the back of the net from over 30 yards out after taking possession of a turnover in back.

"I would say that the three goals were three quality goals," Coleman said. "Some of the guys really stepped up to the challenge and played well."

The Panthers had several chances to put more goals up on the scoreboard but were unable to convert. Sanger had one early, getting a shot past the back line and UWW keeper that just missed wide to the right.

In the second half, freshman Eric Frazier was denied his first goal in a UWM uniform when Whitewater keeper Eugene Nagawiecki made a brilliant diving save of Frazier's close-range shot. Sophomore Sol Cáceres also was stopped with another great save, as his breakaway attempt was punched up and over the cross bar from close range after freshman Evan Bartzis one-touched a perfect feed from freshman Josh Barnes to a streaking Cáceres.

Milwaukee owned the stat sheet, outshooting the Warhawks, 18-to-6, including an 8-to-3 edge in shots on goal. Sophomore Robert Refai led the way with four shots, while Phillips and junior Nicholas Gerard-Larson each recorded three. The Panthers also forced five corner kicks to three for their opponent, while committing 12 of 25 fouls in the match.

"We will do some fine-tuning, some tweaking of things and keep moving forward," Coleman said. "Whitewater is a good, strong team and not an easy squad to just show up against and get a 3-0 result. I give a lot of credit to these guys. Now we just need to keep working."

Next up for UWM is another Black and Gold exhibition match, set for Saturday at 5 p.m. at Engelmann Field. Following that contest will be the annual Alumni Game, scheduled for a 7 p.m. start.