Sept. 26, 2008

Box Score |  Quotes |  Notes

VALPARAISO, Ind. - Freshman Ross Van Osdol scored with just 54 seconds remaining in regulation to help the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men's soccer team earn a 2-2 tie against Valparaiso University Friday afternoon at Eastgate Field. The Panthers (3-2-3, 0-0-1 Horizon) overcame an early two-goal deficit to earn the draw against the Crusaders (4-3-2, 0-0-1 Horizon) in what was the Horizon League opener for each team.

"I loved the way the guys responded today," UWM head coach Jon Coleman said. "They did not panic and they stayed the course. It really showed a lot of heart and character. We overcame a lot of early adversity and I thought we displayed a real belief in doing what we do on the field."

Following a late corner kick, the ball was sent into the box. After a touch by a UWM player and one by a Valpo defender, freshman Josh Barnes delivered a centering pass to Van Osdol at the top of the 18-yard box. He calmly blasted the shot into the upper left of the net, tallying the first goal of his UWM career.

Both teams had some quality chances in the extra sessions, with freshman Eric Frazier nearly notching the golden goal for Milwaukee on a few occasions. In the 94th minute, he broke through the back line of Valpo defense for a one-on-one opportunity against Crusader keeper Kyle Zobeck, only to see his chance go just high. He also had a free kick fly just over the cross bar and had another chance saved by Zobeck.

"Getting a point away from home is always a good thing," Coleman said. "This is a very tough place to play and Valparaiso is a very good team."

Down 2-0 early in the match, Milwaukee got back on the board in the 37th minute. After forcing a corner kick, the ensuing ball was on its way into the box when a Valpo defender was whistled for a foul. Senior Adam Skalecki calmly stepped up and sent the ball one way, with the keeper guessing the other, for his first goal of the season.

UWM dominated play in the first, only to see Valparaiso take better advantage of its very limited opportunities. In fact, the Panthers outshot their opponents, 10-to-4 in the first, with the Crusaders only two shots on goal finding their way into the net.

Two impressive finishes gave Valparaiso the early lead. It tallied goals by Andrew Stewart in the 19th minute off a corner kick and then another in the 24th to take a commanding 2-0 lead before Milwaukee would dig in.

For the match, UWM ended with a 21-to-15 advantage in shots, including 10-to-7 in shots on frame. The chippy, physical game featured a total of 39 fouls - 21 on Valparaiso - and 10 cards - including two of the red variety when Paul Leitelt and Skalecki got sent off in the second overtime.

In goal, senior Grant Fernstrum made five saves and Zobeck finished with eight. Offensively, Frazier recorded a game-high eight shots and senior Travis Phillips had five.

Milwaukee will look to end the weekend on a high note Sunday, hosting Butler at Engelmann Field. The Panthers and Bulldogs will kick things off at 3 p.m.